The influence of social support on the physical exercise behavior of college students: The mediating role of self-efficacy

Exploring fitness influencer content preferences among female college students in the southeastern United States

Objective: To explore female college students' perceptions of fitness influencer content and interest in a social media-based physical activity intervention. Participants: Female college students from around a large southeastern university (ages 18-24) who were insufficiently physically active. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted: Part 1 included semi-structured interviews, and Part 2 was a focus group discussing Part 1 findings and reactions to a proposed physical activity intervention. Sessions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for themes. Results: Participants (N = 12; Mage=20.7 years; 75% White) reported daily exposure to fitness influencers and viewed them as reliable sources. In Part 1, participants preferred beginner-friendly, educational content from honest, relatable influencers and were less interested in misleading, appearance-based content. In Part 2, participants (n = 11) found the proposed intervention with social support appealing. Conclusions: Participants regarded fitness influencers as reliable sources of physical activity information and considered a social media-based intervention leveraging influencer content promising.

The effect of peer relationships on college students' behavioral intentions to be physically active: The chain-mediated role of social support and exercise self-efficacy

PURPOSE

Physical activity behavioral intentions have a positive impact on individuals' physical and mental health, social adjustment, and academic work. This study explored the effects of peer relationships on college students' behavioral intentions for physical activity and analyzed the mediating role of social support and exercise self-efficacy.

METHODS

The Peer Relationship Inventory, the Physical Activity Rating Scale-Intentions to Physical Activity Behavior subscale, the Social Support Scale, and the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale were used to psychometrically measure 514 college students (age = 19.00 ± 1.27) from June 3, 2024, to June 7, 2024, and the Bootstrap method was used to mediate the relationship between social support and exercise self-efficacy.

RESULTS

(1) Peer relationships, social support, exercise self-efficacy and intention to engage in physical activity behaviors were positively correlated (all p < 0.01); (2) gender differences in exercise self-efficacy and intention to engage in physical activity behaviors existed (p < 0.001), and male students scored higher than female students (M ± SD: 3.18 ± 0.55 > 2.98 ± 0.59; 3.23 ± 0.62 > 2.95 ± 0.61); (3) the mediating effect size of social support (peer relationship→social support→behavioral intention to exercise) was 0.078, which accounted for 8.83% of the total effect, and that of exercise self-efficacy (peer relationship→exercise self-efficacy→behavioral intention to exercise) was 0.314, which accounted for 35.56% of the total effect, the chained mediation effect of social support and exercise The chain mediation effect size of self-efficacy (peer relationship→social support→exercise self-efficacy→behavioral intention to exercise) was 0.057, accounting for 6.46% of the total effect, and none of the confidence intervals contained 0.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) College students' peer relationships can significantly and positively predict behavioral intention to exercise; (2) college students' peer relationships can have a simple influence on the behavioral intention to exercise through social support and exercise self-efficacy, respectively; (3) College student peer relationships can also influence intention to engage in physical activity through social support and exercise self-efficacy in a chained manner.

The correlation between physical activity and psychological resilience in young students: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

Against the backdrop of increasing social stress and a faster pace of life, psychological resilience as a key psychological attribute has become increasingly prominent. Physical activity is also a significant factor influencing the psychological resilience of young students. This study aims to systematically review the research progress on the relationship between physical activity and psychological resilience among young students. It analyzes the correlation between the two and the influencing factors, and explores the mechanisms by which physical activity among young students contributes to psychological resilience. The objective is to motivate young students to engage more actively in physical activities, thereby enhancing their psychological resilience.

Methods

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, an extensive literature search was conducted across six electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and EBSCOhost. The search spanned from January 1, 2000, to November 20, 2024. The selected studies were subjected to rigorous quality evaluation, and relevant methodological and outcome data were extracted using a standardized data extraction form. Subsequently, meta-analysis of the included studies was performed using Stata 18 software, including heterogeneity testing and assessment of publication bias.

Results

After literature screening, a total of 21 studies were included, exploring the correlation between physical activity and psychological resilience. These studies employed Pearson correlation analysis (14 studies), multiple regression analysis (13 studies), and structural equation modeling (SEM) (eight studies). Using a random-effects model to combine effect sizes, the average correlation coefficient was 0.249 (p < 0.001), the average standardized coefficient for the promotion of psychological resilience by physical activity was 0.195 (p < 0.001), and the average path coefficient for the enhancement of psychological resilience through physical activity was 0.205 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study found a significant positive correlation between physical activity and psychological resilience among young students, with physical activity exerting a positive impact on psychological resilience. Similarly, psychological resilience plays a promotional role in the participation of young students in physical activities.

The Impact of Physical Exercise on College Students' Physical Self-Efficacy: The Mediating Role of Psychological Resilience

The mental health of college students has become a key focus in higher education, and physical activity may play a crucial role in promoting positive psychology among college students. This study explores the relationship between physical activity and physical self-efficacy among college students and analyzes the mediating effect of psychological resilience to provide theoretical support for health intervention strategies. This study included a sample of 369 college students aged 18-25 from the Zhuhai Campus of Beijing Normal University. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-S), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and the Physical Self-Efficacy Scale for College Students (PSES-CS) were administered to 369 students (138 males and 231 females) through a questionnaire survey. The data were processed using SPSS 29.0 and AMOS 26.0 software. Significant positive correlations were found between physical activity, psychological resilience, and physical self-efficacy. Regression analysis revealed that physical activity had a significant effect on psychological resilience and physical self-efficacy and explained 8.3% and 14.9% of the variance, respectively. Psychological resilience partially mediated the relationship between physical activity and physical self-efficacy, accounting for 30.05% of the total effect. Moreover, gender moderated the relationship between physical activity and physical self-efficacy. Physical activity can enhance the physical self-efficacy of college students, with psychological resilience playing a partial mediating role and gender acting as a moderating factor. Emphasizing the cultivation of psychological resilience in educational and personal growth processes is highly important for improving individuals' physical self-efficacy and well-being.

The Effect of Exercise Atmosphere on College Students' Physical Exercise-A Moderated Chain Mediation Model

To explore the influence of exercise atmosphere on college students' physical exercise and its mechanism of action, the Exercise Atmosphere Scale, Enjoyment Scale, Exercise Self-efficacy Scale, Social Physique Anxiety Scale, and Physical Exercise Rating Scale were used to investigate 1265 college students. The results showed that: (1) exercise atmosphere directly impacted physical exercise and indirectly influenced physical exercise through three mediating pathways (e.g., the mediating role of enjoyment, the mediating role of exercise self-efficacy, and the chain mediating role of enjoyment and exercise self-efficacy); (2) social physique anxiety negatively moderated the influence of exercise atmosphere on enjoyment and exercise self-efficacy, respectively, and negatively moderated three mediating pathways of exercise atmosphere influencing physical exercise through enjoyment and exercise self-efficacy. The results are helpful in enriching the research on exercise atmosphere and college students' physical exercise and provide useful insights for schools and related organizations to strengthen college students' physical exercise.

The impact of physical exercise on adolescent social anxiety: the serial mediating effects of sports self-efficacy and expressive suppression

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the impact of physical exercise on adolescent social anxiety and to elucidate the serial mediating roles of sports self-efficacy and expressive suppression within this context.

METHODS

Utilizing a convenience random cluster sampling technique, this study surveyed 2500 primary and secondary school students across Sichuan, Guangdong, Shandong, Henan, and Jiangxi provinces. The survey utilized validated scales to assess physical exercise, sports self-efficacy, expressive suppression, and social anxiety among adolescents.

RESULTS

The study revealed that: (1) Physical exercise has a significant negative correlation with social anxiety (r = -0.32, p < 0.01); (2) Sports self-efficacy significantly mediated the relationship between physical exercise and social anxiety, with an indirect effect of -0.15 (95% CI [-0.22, -0.09]); (3) Expressive suppression significantly mediated the relationship between physical exercise and social anxiety, with an indirect effect of -0.11 (95% CI [-0.17, -0.06]); (4) Sports self-efficacy and expressive suppression exerted a significant serial mediating effect on the relationship between physical exercise and social anxiety, with an indirect effect of -0.05 (95% CI [-0.08, -0.02]).

CONCLUSION

Physical exercise not only directly alleviates social anxiety in adolescents but also indirectly diminishes social anxiety through the enhancement of sports self-efficacy and the reduction of expressive suppression.

Whose autonomy support is more effective in promoting exercise adherence in higher vocational college students - based on self-determined theory

OBJECTIVE

Based on the self-determination theory, the three types of autonomy support of parents, teachers and peers as a whole were included in the same research system to explore their effects on exercise adherence of higher vocational college students and their internal mechanisms.

METHODS

The study used the exercise autonomy support scale, autonomous motivation scale and exercise adherence scale to construct and test the hypothesised pathways for promoting exercise adherence among students in higher vocational college. Using the data obtained from a survey of 436 higher vocational college students as the unit of analysis, and taking into account the variable of students' self-determined motivation. The three types of autonomy support of parents, teachers and peers were simultaneously incorporated into the same research system to explore their effects on higher vocational college students' exercise adherence and their internal mechanisms.

RESULTS

Except for parent autonomy support, neither teacher nor peer autonomy support had a significant positive effect on exercise adherence of higher vocational college students. Unlike the role played by teacher autonomy support, neither parent nor peer autonomy support was able to positively predict exercise autonomous motivation among higher vocational college students.

CONCLUSION

Parent autonomy support can positively influence the exercise adherence of higher vocational college students, neither teacher nor peer autonomy support can significantly positively influence the exercise adherence of higher vocational college students. Teacher autonomy support can significantly and indirectly influence higher vocational college students' exercise adherence through autonomous motivation, while parent and peer autonomy support cannot indirectly influence higher vocational college students' exercise adherence through autonomous motivation.

The association between family physical activity environment and exercise adherence in adolescents: a chain mediation model

The family plays an immensely crucial role in the development of adolescents, significantly influencing their behavioral patterns. To explore the impact mechanism of the family physical activity environment on adolescents' exercise adherence, and analyze the chain-mediating role of exercise self-efficacy and exercise satisfaction. A questionnaire was administered to 500 adolescents and their parents using the Family Physical Activity Environment Scale, Exercise Adherence Scale, Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale and Satisfaction Scale. The direct impact value of the family physical activity environment on adolescents' exercise adherence is 0.148, with an effect size of 32.81%. The impact values of exercise self-efficacy and satisfaction between the family physical activity environment and adolescents' exercise adherence are 0.113 and 0.092 respectively, with effect sizes of 25.05% and 20.39%. The chain-mediating effect of exercise self-efficacy and satisfaction is significant, with an effect value of 0.097 and an effect size of 21.50%. Family physical activity environment can directly and positively predict adolescents' exercise adherence, positively predict adolescents' exercise adherence through the independent mediating role of exercise self-efficacy and satisfaction, and also positively predict adolescents' exercise adherence through the chain mediating role of exercise self-efficacy and satisfaction. This provides a theoretical reference for enhancing adolescents' exercise adherence and improving their levels of physical health.

The pathway of social support in enhancing adolescents' physical fitness: The mediating roles of physical activity and self-efficacy

PURPOSE

Utilising Welk's Youth Physical Activity Promotion (YPAP) model as a foundational framework, this study investigates the intricate interplay of social support, physical activity (PA), and self-efficacy in relation to physical fitness within the context of Chinese culture. The primary objective is to identify the nuanced dynamics among social support, self-efficacy, PA, and physical fitness to enhance adolescent well-being and fitness.

METHODOLOGY

The study employed a convenience sampling method, engaging 123 adolescents aged 18-21, of which 67 were females (54.47%), and 56 were males (45.53%). Data were collected through structured questionnaires focusing on the identified variables.

RESULTS

Our study revealed significant positive associations among social support, self-efficacy, PA, and physical fitness, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.282 to 0.419. Notably, a discernible gender disparity emerged, with females exhibiting higher levels of physical fitness. Among the key determinants of adolescent physical fitness, self-efficacy emerged as the most influential, followed by PA and gender. Utilising structural equation modelling and regression techniques, we discerned that social support indirectly influences physical fitness, primarily mediated by self-efficacy and the level of physical activity.

DISCUSSION

This study provides insight into how social support impacts adolescent physical fitness. We found that social support strongly predicts both PA and self-efficacy, and self-efficacy significantly boosts PA, ultimately leading to improved physical fitness. Both self-efficacy and PA serve as mediators in the relationship between social support and fitness. Therefore, interventions should prioritise reinforcing social support, promoting PA, and nurturing self-efficacy to optimise adolescent physical fitness outcomes.

Effect of physical exercise on negative emotions in Chinese university students: The mediating effect of self-efficacy

Objective

This study investigates the impact of physical activity on negative emotions among university students and examines the mediating influence of self-efficacy, aiming to furnish empirical insights and a theoretical framework to enhance and optimize the mental health of this population comprehensively.

Methods

Using the cluster random sampling method, 5341 university students were selected from three universities. The questionnaire included demographic information about university students, physical exercise behaviors, expressions of negative emotions such as depression and anxiety, and self-efficacy in physical exercise. The types of questionnaires included the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS).

Results

76.877 % of university students had low exercise. The detection rates of depression, anxiety and stress in negative mood were 77.041 %, 64.276 % and 47.931 %, respectively. There were significant differences in physical exercise and negative mood scores among university students of different genders and grades. University student. Negative emotions were significantly correlated with physical exercise and self-efficacy (P < 0.001). According to the regression model, physical exercise can significantly predict negative emotions and self-efficacy. The mediating effect of self-efficacy is evident.

Conclusion

Physical exercise among university students typically comprises light workouts, associated with a high prevalence of anxiety symptoms. Self-efficacy acts as a mediator in the effects of physical exercise on negative emotions within this group.

Social Support and Physical Activity in College and University Students: A Meta-Analysis

Although physical activity (PA) has a profound impact on health, many college and university students are still physically inactive. There is some evidence to suggest that social support (SS) could impact the PA levels of students, but the internal relationship and specific effects are not very clear. The purpose of this review was to determine the strength of the relationship between SS and PA and examine whether any potential associations differed in terms of age, gender, and region among college and university students. Studies were identified using the following electronic databases: PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Sociological Abstracts. Moderator analyses investigating the effects of students' age, gender, and region (nation) were performed. This review included 19 articles. The results showed total SS was significantly associated with PA (r = 0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.22, 0.37], p < .001). With respect to different types of support, friend support was more strongly associated with PA than family support. Gender factors had a significant moderating effect on the correlation between SS and PA (QM = 17.433, p < .001). Separate analyses examining the moderating effects of gender (percentage of females) found that the association between SS and PA was stronger with the increase in female percentage. In conclusion, SS is an important factor associated with PA levels and should foster SS within intervention programs according to types of SS and gender differences to increase PA levels among college and university students.

Effects of physical activity on depression, anxiety, and stress in college students: the chain-based mediating role of psychological resilience and coping styles

Background

Physical activity can alleviate negative emotions in college students by enhancing mood and cognitive functions. Yet, the mechanisms underlying these benefits remain unclear.

Purpose

This study examines the association between physical activity and negative emotions-specifically, depression, anxiety, and stress-in college students. Additionally, we explore the mediating effects of psychological resilience and coping styles to offer theoretical and practical insights for mitigating students' negative emotions.

Methods

Using a stratified random sampling approach, a total of 1,380 college students, from five universities in Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Wenzhou, were included in the analysis. The survey instruments included the Physical Activity Rating Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Simple Coping Style Scale, and Depression-Anxiety Stress Scale. The data were statistically analyzed using multivariate methods with IBM SPSS 25.0 and the PROCESS V3.3 plug-in.

Results

(1) College students engage in a low level of physical activity, with male students participating significantly more than female students (p < 0.001). (2) Physical activity was significantly positively correlated with psychological resilience and positive coping styles (t = 9.126, p < 0.001; t = 23.087, p < 0.001) and overall negative correlated with negative emotions in college students (t = -3.601, p < 0.001). (3) Psychological resilience and positive coping styles were found to play a chain mediating role between physical activity and negative emotions. The mediation effect consists of two paths: physical activity → psychological resilience → negative emotions (effect value: -0.0324), and physical activity → psychological resilience → positive coping → negative emotions (effect value: -0.0099). (4) Female students demonstrated higher levels of positive coping (p < 0.001), while male students exhibited more negative emotions (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study identifies a significant indirect link, mediated by psychological resilience and positive coping styles, between physical activity and the reduction of negative emotions. Targeted interventions addressing gender differences, such as offering special courses and providing specialized exercise programs and emotional management strategies, can enhance psychological resilience and positive coping mechanisms. Consequently, these measures can alleviate the adverse effects of negative emotions. Our findings have broader implications for both research and practical interventions in promoting mental health among college students.

The relationships between emerging adults self-efficacy and motivation levels and physical activity: a cross-sectional study based on the self-determination theory

Objectives

The study aims to examine the associations between exercise self-efficacy, motivation, physical activity, and body composition among emerging adults.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Methods

A convenience sample of 147 emerging adults participated in the Releasing Weight (RELEW) project. The InBody720 analyzer was used to measure body composition, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short, the Shortened Physical Activity Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire were used to measure self-reported physical activity, self-efficacy, and motivation. Structural Equation Modeling was used to exam the complex relationships among multiple variables. in this study. The Partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis with bootstrapping in Smart PLS 3 was employed to explore the path coefficients and t-values for the relationships that were thought to exist. Significance was determined using a threshold of p < 0.05.

Results

The mean age of 147 participants was 18.5 ± 1.87, of whom 51.7% were female, recruited for this study. Exercise self-efficacy has a significant positive correlation with exercise motivation (r = 0.220, p = 0.008) and physical activity (r = 0.279, p < 0.001). Exercise motivation does not demonstrate significant associations with physical activity (r = 0.094, p = 0.298). Utilizing SEM, the model explained 9.2% of exercise self-efficacy, 11.8% of physical activity, and 68.3% of body composition variance. Mediation analysis revealed that exercise self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between exercise motivation and physical activity (β = 0.106, t = 2.538, p < 0.05), and physical activity partially mediated the relationship between exercise self-efficacy and body composition (β = -0.296, t = 4.280, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study sheds light on the complex relationships among motivation, self-efficacy, physical activity and body composition during emerging adulthood. Our results highlight the mediating role of self-efficacy and its impact on physical activity behaviors, offering valuable insights for targeted interventions and policy development to improve health outcomes in this demographic.

Effect of health belief model-based training and social support on the physical activity of overweight middle-aged women: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction

The highest incidence of overweight among adults is found among women, predominantly middle-aged women. While it has been demonstrated that being overweight increases mortality by compromising physical and mental health, it also imposes substantial costs on the healthcare system. Lack of physical activity is a primary contributing factor to becoming overweight. The majority of inactive adults are women, particularly middle-aged women. Consequently, this study investigated the training program for overweight women based on the health belief model (HBM) and social support approach.

Methods

A randomized, controlled trial involving 73 overweight middle-aged women (control group: 37, intervention group: 36) was conducted using simple random sampling. The intervention group participated in six 120-min sessions per week for 6 weeks of a training program based on HBM and social support through physical activity, group discussion, role play, and media. Data were collected using the Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Bandura's Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (Bandura's ESE), and a researcher-made questionnaire before and 4 weeks after the training. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics via SPSS 27 software. p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

A training program based on HBM and social support led to improved perceived benefits (p < 0.001), cues to action (p = 0.03), and self-efficacy (p < 0.001) of physical activity; decreased perceived barriers (p = 0.001); increased social support (p = 0.001); and increased physical activity (p < 0.001). In addition, the BMI of the intervention group decreased after the training program (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

The findings of the study demonstrate the efficacy of the training program based on HBM and the social support approach in improving social support and physical activity of women. In addition, the study evaluates the long-term outcome in populations with varying social, economic, and cultural standings.

Clinical Trials Registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/, (IRCT201706236261N17).

A meta-analysis of the relationship between social support and physical activity in adolescents: the mediating role of self-efficacy

Introduction

Social support influences physical activity (PA) in adolescents. However, whether mediating and moderating effects impact the relationship between them or the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the mediating effects of self-efficacy as well as a series of moderating influences using a meta-analytic approach.

Methods

A total of 56 studies published between January 2001 and May 2023 were obtained from the Web of Science, EBSCO, Taylor and Francis, Scopus, Wiley, ProQuest, and CNKI (core) databases, comprising 65 independent samples (total sample size = 47,196).

Results and discussion

The mean weighted correlation coefficients between social, family, peer, and school support and adolescent PA were 0.298, 0.226, 0.256, and 0.142, respectively, which were significant, except for school support. Family support and teenage PA were related, although the connection was moderated by gender and socioeconomic characteristics. While social, family, and peer support had a direct influence on adolescent PA, school support did not. Self-efficacy mediated the relationship between social support and its subtypes and adolescent PA.

The Effect of Social Support on Social Media on Asian College Students' Intention to Participate in Physical Activity in the United States

Background

College students who identified themselves as Asians in the United States (i.e., Asian college students) are facing health inequalities and engaging in increasingly low levels of physical activity (PA). Although social support was found to be effective in increasing college students' PA and social media is an important channel for social support for Asian students, few studies have explored how to provide social support through social media interventions to promote Asian students' PA level. Thus, this study aimed to explore the effects of social support on social media on Asian college students' intention to participate in PA based on the theory of planned behavior.

Methods

We conducted an online Qualtrics survey among all undergraduate students at a university on the West Coast of the United States. Among 936 respondents, 337 (36%) were Asian college students. Descriptive analysis, regression models, and mediating effect tests were performed using SPSS 28.

Results

For Asian students, social support on social media has both direct effects and indirect effects through perceived behavioral control (PBC) on their intention to participate in PA.

Conclusion

Future interventions could consider encouraging Asian students to provide support to each other and form support groups using social media to increase their PBC.