The relationship between physical exercise and subjective well-being in Chinese older people: The mediating role of the sense of meaning in life and self-esteem

Relationship between community physical activity levels, social capital, intergenerational support, and subjective well-being among older adults in China: a moderated mediation model

Objective

This study investigates the mediating role of social capital in the effect of community physical activity on older adults' subjective well-being and the moderating role of intergenerational support.

Methods

Questionnaire data were collected from 318 older adults from China who participated in community-based physical activity using a random sampling method with the Physical Activity Scale, the Social Capital Scale, the Intergenerational Support Scale, and the Subjective Well-Being Scale. Data were analyzed by SPSS 25.0, PROCESS 3.4 and AMOS 24.

Results

Community physical activity positively affected older adults' subjective well-being (β = 0.539, p < 0.001), and social capital mediated the effect of community physical activity on older adults' subjective well-being (β = 0.162, p < 0.001, 23.11% of the total effect). Intergenerational support moderated the relationship between community physical activity and older adults' subjective well-being (β = 0.133, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Active participation in community physical activity can directly improve the subjective well-being of older persons on the one hand, and indirectly improve well-being by increasing social capital on the other. In addition, good intergenerational relationships can lead to more active participation in community physical activity, which in turn affects the subjective well-being of older people.

Self-efficacy, self-esteem, and happiness in older adults: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Happiness is crucial for well-being in older people, but it can be challenged by various health issues. While previous research has explored individual predictors of happiness, there is limited understanding of how self-efficacy-the belief in one's ability to manage challenges-and self-esteem, or positive self-regard, together influence happiness in elderly populations. Hence, this research aimed to fill this gap by investigating the association of self-efficacy and self-esteem with happiness in elders.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 400 individuals aged 60 years or older who visited health centers in Sarab, Iran, from April to June 2023. Data were collected using valid and reliable instruments, including the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, Sherer's Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. To analyze the data, bivariate comparisons of quantitative variables were performed using independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA. Additionally, hierarchical regression analysis was conducted on happiness using two distinct sets of independent variables.

RESULTS

According to the results, there was a statistically significant association between marital status (p-value =  0.021), income (p-value <  0.001), education (p-value <  0.001), and physical activity (p-value <  0.001) with happiness. Happiness showed strong positive correlations with self-efficacy (r =  0.747; p-value <  0.001) and self-esteem (r =  0.306; p-value <  0.001). Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis revealed that demographic factors accounted for 15.3% of the variance in happiness, while self-efficacy and self-esteem explained an additional 43.0%, totaling 58.7%. Among the predictors, self-efficacy was the strongest (β =  0.695).

CONCLUSIONS

Self-efficacy and self-esteem were key determinants of happiness in elderly people. Healthcare centers serving older populations could implement targeted interventions such as skill-building workshops aimed at enhancing self-efficacy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions to build coping strategies, and art therapy programs to boost self-esteem. Additional interventions might include mindfulness and relaxation techniques to reduce stress, social engagement activities to promote a sense of belonging, and group exercises or physical activity programs that foster both physical well-being and psychological resilience. Future studies should explore the long-term effectiveness of these interventions in promoting sustained happiness in older adults.

Effects of physical activity participation on subjective well-being of Chinese residents: mediating effects of physical health status and perceived social development

Background

Physical exercise participation can effectively improve the subjective well-being of Chinese residents; however, further research is needed to understand how this participation influences their well-being. This study aims to explore the influence mechanism of physical exercise participation on the subjective well-being of Chinese residents and the mediating role of physical health status and social development cognition in this relationship.

Methods

Based on the data from China's comprehensive social survey in 2021, 7,923 valid samples were selected. Three variables, such as physical exercise participation, physical health status, and social development cognition, were used to explore residents' subjective well-being. Multiple linear regression models, structural equation models, and bootstrap methods were employed to assess the mediating effects of these variables.

Results

(1) Physical exercise participation can improve residents' subjective well-being ( β =0.084, t = 4.67) and promote the development of positive psychology. (2) Physical health status has a mediating effect on the impact of physical exercise participation on residents' subjective well-being, with a mediating effect calculated at 0.05 (95% CI [0.01, 0.09]). (3) The cognitive level of social development has a mediating effect on the influence of physical exercise participation on residents' subjective well-being, with a documented mediating effect of 0.04 (95% CI [0.01, 0.08]). (4) Both physical health status and social development cognition collectively exhibit a chain mediating effect on the relationship between physical exercise and subjective well-being, with a combined mediating effect of 0.07 (95% CI [0.04, 0.10]).

Conclusion

Participation in physical activity has a positive effect on residents' subjective well-being, with physical health status and social development cognition serving as chain mediators in this relationship. Consequently, it is recommended that both government and various societal sectors intensify efforts to promote physical activity. By creating supportive environments that facilitate regular physical exercise, we can enhance the health and happiness of the population at large.

Physical activity and mental health: a systematic review and best-evidence synthesis of mediation and moderation studies

BACKGROUND

While evidence consistently demonstrates that physical activity is beneficial to mental health, it remains relatively unknown how physical activity benefits mental health, and which factors influence the effect of physical activity on mental health. This understanding could vastly increase our capacity to design, recommend, and prescribe physical activity in more optimal ways. The purpose of this study was to systematically review and synthesise evidence of all mediators and moderators of the relationship between physical activity and mental health.

METHODS

Systematic searches of four databases (i.e., Scopus, PsycINFO, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus) identified 11,633 initial studies. Empirical studies that quantitatively assessed physical activity, or conducted a physical activity intervention, measured a mental health outcome, and tested one or more mediator or moderator of the relationship between physical activity and mental health were included. A total of 247 met the inclusion criteria; 173 studies examined mediation and 82 examined moderation.

RESULTS

Results of the best-evidence synthesis revealed strong evidence for 12 mediators including affect, mental health and wellbeing, self-esteem, self-efficacy, physical self-worth, body image satisfaction, resilience, social support, social connection, physical health, pain, and fatigue. Moderate evidence was identified for a further 15 mediators and eight moderators.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings should inform the design of future physical activity interventions to ensure optimal effects on mental health related outcomes. Additionally, if health professionals were to take these mediators and moderators into consideration when prescribing or recommending physical activity, physical activity would likely have a greater impact on population mental health.

The impact of health literacy on health-promoting lifestyle among community residents: the chain-mediating role of family health and physical activity

Background

Adopting health-promoting lifestyle (HPL) is crucial for improving overall well-being and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. The relationship between health literacy (HL) and HPL among Chinese community residents is complex, with potential mediating factors yet to be fully understood. Family health and physical activity (PA) may play significant roles in this relationship. This study aims to construct a chain mediation model to explore whether family health and PA mediate the effects of HL on HPL in Chinese community residents.

Methods

Using the convenient sampling method, 1,072 Chinese community residents were selected for a cross-sectional study. All participants completed a self-report questionnaire that collected demographic information, as well as data from the Health Literacy Scale Short-Form (HLS-SF12), Family Health Scale Short-Form (FHS-SF), Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II Revise (HPLP-II R). Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0, with mediation analysis performed using the SPSS PROCESS macro.

Results

There were significant pairwise correlations between HL, family health, PA, and HPL (p < 0.01). HL was directly linked to HPL (effect = 0.442; SE = 0.025; 95% CI: 0.392, 0.491). Additionally, three indirect pathways were identified: family health independently mediated 6.02% of the effect (effect = 0.032; SE = 0.010; 95% CI: 0.013, 0.051), PA also independently mediated 9.02% of the effect (effect = 0.048; SE = 0.010; 95% CI: 0.030, 0.068), and a combined chain mediation through both family health and PA accounted for 1.88% of the effect (effect = 0.010; SE = 0.003; 95% CI: 0.005, 0.017).

Conclusion

HL not only has a direct impact on promoting HPL but also influences it indirectly through the mediating roles of family health and PA. These insights elucidate the mechanisms by which HL affects HPL, providing valuable theoretical guidance for the development and implementation of effective strategies to encourage healthy lifestyle practices.

Emotional Status, Motor Dysfunction, and Cognitive Functioning as Predictors of Quality of Life in Physically Engaged Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

The demographic transition has become a reality, and it demands public policies to promote physical and mental health in aging. Group exercise emerges as a cost-effective and accessible alternative to promote active aging on a large scale, but to optimize the effectiveness of these programs, it is crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms that improve quality of life. This study aimed to explore the associations between emotional status, cognitive functioning, motor dysfunction, and their relationship with quality of life in community-dwelling older adults participating in a group physical exercise program. Structural equation modeling was used to explore these relationships in a sample of 190 older adults. Emotional state directly predicted all domains of quality of life. Motor dysfunction predicts the physical health domain of quality of life. Motor dysfunction and cognitive functioning are strongly correlated with emotional status. The fit indices of the final model are acceptable, and it demonstrates that within group-exercise dynamics, emotional status is the main component of quality-of-life promotion. Therefore, professionals designing group physical exercise programs to promote active aging should consider not only physical fitness, but also the integration of psychosocial elements, offering a holistic approach to enhancing overall well-being.

The influence of exercise adherence on peace of mind among Chinese college students: a moderated chain mediation model

Introduction

Exercising adherence constitutes a pivotal approach for college students to maintain physical well-being, while peace of mind serves as a crucial indicator of their psychological health. However, few previous studies have delved into the relationship between these two variables. Our study endeavors to investigate the association between the exercise adherence and the peace of mind of college students.

Methods

The Exercise Adherence Questionnaire, Meaning in Life Questionnaire, Brief Self-Control Scale, Peace of Mind Scale, and Self Acceptance Questionnaire were tested on 1,520 college students from four universities in western China, and SPSS 25.0 and Mplus 8.3 were used for analysis.

Results

The results indicate a significant positive correlation between exercise adherence and meaning in life (r = 0.208, p < 0.001), self-control (r = 0.210, p < 0.001), and peace of mind (r = 0.237, p < 0.001) among college students. Mediation analysis reveals that exercise adherence has a significant direct effect on peace of mind in college students, with an effect size of 0.087. Moreover, meaning in life and self-control independently mediate the relationship between exercise adherence and peace of mind, with mediation effect sizes of 0.046 and 0.052, respectively. Additionally, meaning in life and self-control collectively exhibit a chain mediation effect, with a mediation effect size of 0.032. At the same time, the interaction terms of meaning in life and self-acceptance had a significant predictive effect on self-control (b = 0.090, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

This study reveals both the relationship and intrinsic mechanisms by which exercise adherence influences the peace of mind among college students. Exercise adherence demonstrates a direct positive impact on peace of mind. Additionally, the association between exercise adherence and peace of mind is influenced by the individual mediating effects of meaning in life and self-control, as well as the chain mediation effect of meaning in life and self-control. Moreover, self-acceptance plays a positive role in regulating the relationship between meaning in life and self-control in the chain mediated pathway. This suggests that we need to encourage college students to develop the habit of exercise adherence and to carry out public welfare activities to enhance their meaning in life, self-control and self-acceptance, which will effectively promote their mental health.

Association between frailty and meaning in life of older adults in nursing home: the mediating effect of psychological resilience

Background

Meaning in life is a crucial aspect of psychological well-being, often overlooked despite its clinical significance. This warrants further investigation, especially regarding its relationship with frailty and psychological resilience.

Objective

This study aims to assess the status and relevance of frailty, psychological resilience, and meaning in life among older adults in Chinese nursing homes. Additionally, it explores the mediating role of psychological resilience between frailty and meaning in life, providing insights to improve the meaning in life for older adults in nursing homes.

Methods

Between August 2022 and November 2022, 302 older adults in Chinese nursing homes were selected using convenience sampling. The study utilized the Socio-demographic Characteristics Questionnaire, Tilburg Frailty Indicator, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Source of Meaning Scale for Older Adults. A face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted, and SPSS 27.0 was employed for analyzing correlations between frailty, psychological resilience, and meaning in life. The mediating effect of psychological resilience was assessed using Model 4 in the Process plug-in.

Results

Older adults in nursing homes exhibited a frailty total score of 4.00 (2.00, 5.00), with a prevalence of 28.5%. Psychological resilience scored 66.00 (51.75, 76.00), and meaning in life scored 149.00 (132.00, 158.25). Frailty showed a negative correlation with both meaning in life and psychological resilience, while meaning in life demonstrated a positive correlation with psychological resilience. Psychological resilience exhibited a partial mediating effect, accounting for 51.04% of the total effect between frailty and meaning in life.

Conclusion

Frailty incidence is high among older adults in nursing homes, with psychological resilience at a general level and meaning in life in the upper middle level. Psychological resilience plays a crucial role as a partial mediator between frailty and meaning in life. Timely assessment of frailty, targeted interventions, and improvements in psychological resilience are essential for enhancing the meaning in life and promoting successful aging.

Relationship Between Square Dancing and Meaning in Life Among Older Adults: Examining an Age-Based Moderation Model

PURPOSE

Square dancing may help older adults experience meaning in life (MIL). However, it remains unclear how square dancing facilitates MIL. To address this question, we examined whether participation frequency, transcendent experiences, and social support correlated positively with MIL, and whether age moderated the correlation between transcendent experiences and MIL.

METHOD

We studied 268 older adults using in-person surveys to collect data on age, participation frequency, transcendent experiences, social support, and MIL. We analyzed data using hierarchical regression.

RESULTS

High frequency of participation and high levels of transcendent experiences and social support simultaneously predicted high levels of MIL, and age decreased the positive relationship between transcendent experiences and MIL.

CONCLUSION

Based on the hierarchical regression results, we recommend strategies to increase older adults' MIL by providing square dancing opportunities; working with them to improve square dancing skills that facilitate transcendent experiences; and guiding them in seeking sources of social support. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 17(3), 141-147.].

Social Support, Health Behaviors, Self-Esteem, and Successful Aging in a Sub-Saharan African Sample of Older Adults: Test of a Sequential Mediation Model

Background and Objectives

Previous research demonstrates that social support facilitates successful aging across all cultures. However, the factors that potentially mediate the link between social support and successful aging remain unclear. This study examined whether a healthy lifestyle and self-esteem mediate the association between social support and successful aging. It was hypothesized that the relationship between social support (family, friends, and significant other) and successful aging would be serially mediated by both healthy lifestyle and self-esteem.

Research Design and Methods

Participants were 479 Nigerian retirees (53.4% female) aged 60 to 90 years (Mage = 64.81, SD = 6.86). They provided information on relevant demographic variables and completed the following measures: Fantastic Lifestyle Checklist (Fitness Appraisal), Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Scale, and Successful Aging Inventory. Three separate regression models (family, friends, and significant other dimensions of social support) were conducted using the Hayes PROCESS macro for SPSS with 5,000 bootstrap estimates.

Results

Controlling for age and sex, family support, significant other support, friends support, healthy lifestyle, and self-esteem were directly associated with successful aging. The association between family support and successful aging was mediated by healthy lifestyle; and this was also seen for friends' support and significant other support. The sequential path from social support to successful aging through healthy lifestyle, and then via improved self-esteem, was significant for family support and significant other support, but not friends support.

Discussion and Implications

Findings suggest that middle-aged to older adults who have strong support from their families and significant others may be more likely to engage in healthy behaviors and, in turn, experience higher levels of self-esteem, thereby aging well.

Association between work stress and mental health in Chinese public health workers during the COVID-19 epidemic: mediating role of social support and self-efficacy

Background

Little is known about the mediating mechanisms underlying the association between work stress and mental health, especially among primary public health workers (PHWs). We aimed to evaluated the association between work stress and mental health among PHWs, and explore the mediating roles of social support and self-efficacy.

Methods

A large-scale cross-sectional survey was conducted among 3,809 PHWs from all 249 community health centers in 16 administrative districts throughout Shanghai, China. Pearson correlation and hierarchical linear regression were used to explore the associations among work stress, social support, self-efficacy and mental health. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to examine the mediation effects.

Results

The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among primary PHWs was 67.3 and 55.5%, respectively. There is a significant positive direct effect of work stress on mental health (β = 0.325, p < 0.001). Social support and self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between work stress and mental health, respectively. Meanwhile, the chained mediating effects of social support and self-efficacy also buffered the predictive effects of work stress on anxiety and depression symptoms (β = 0.372, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Work stress has significant direct and indirect effects on mental health among primary PHWs. Enhancing social support and self-efficacy may be effective psychological interventions to mitigate the effects of work-related stress on mental health. These findings highlight the severity of mental health problems among primary public health workers and provide new evidence for early prevention and effective intervention strategies.

Effect of physical exercise on social adaptability of college students: Chain intermediary effect of social-emotional competency and self-esteem

Objective

To explore the relationship between physical exercise and college students' social adaptability, as well as the mediating role of social-emotional competency and self-esteem.

Methods

One thousand two hundred thirty college students were investigated by physical exercise questionnaire, social-emotional competency scale, self-esteem scale, and social adaptability scale. Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis, structural equation model test and deviation-corrected percentile Bootstrap method.

Results

(1) Physical exercise was positively correlated with social adaptability (r = 0.397, p < 0.01), and the direct path of physical exercise on social adaptability was significant (β = 0.397, t = 15.174, p < 0.01). (2) Physical exercise positively predicted social-emotional competency (β = 0.399, t = 15.235, p < 0.01) and self-esteem (β = 0.305, t = 10.570, p < 0.01). Social-emotional competency positively predicted self-esteem (β = 0.130, t = 4.507, p < 0.01) and social adaptability (β = 0.169, t = 6.104, p < 0.01). Self-esteem positively predicted social adaptability (β = 0.189, t = 6.957, p < 0.01). (3) Social-emotional competency and self-esteem play a significant mediating role between physical exercise and social adaptability. The mediating effect includes three paths: physical exercise→social-emotional competency→social adaptability (the mediating effect value: 0.068); physical exercise→self-esteem→social adaptability (the mediating effect value: 0.059). Physical exercise→social-emotional competency→self-esteem→social adaptability (the mediating effect value: 0.010).

Conclusion

Physical exercise can not only directly affect social adaptability of college students, but also indirectly affect social adaptability through the independent intermediary role of social-emotional competency and self-esteem. Furthermore, physical exercise also affect social adaptability through the chain mediation of social-emotional competency and self-esteem.