Physical exercise and academic achievement in Chinese college students: The mediating role of self-control

We used a context–process–outcome model to understand how physical activity develops and sustains academic achievement among college students. We also assessed the mediating role of self-control in the relationship between physical activity and academic achievement. Participants comprised 1,181 Chinese college students. Our findings showed that physical activity positively predicted self-control and academic achievement. Further, self-control was an important predictor of academic achievement. Finally, self-control played a mediating role in the relationship between physical activity and academic achievement. These findings provide evidence for the feasibility of the context–process–outcome model and explain the key mechanisms by which physical activity has a positive impact on college students’ academic achievement. Therefore, university teachers and administrators could implement interventions related to physical activity and self-control to improve the academic achievement of college students.