Influence of physical exercise on negative emotions in college students: chain mediating role of sleep quality and self-rated health

Exploring the mechanisms linking perceived school climate to negative emotions in adolescents: The mediating roles of social avoidance and distress, and psychological resilience, with physical exercise level as a moderator

This study investigates the relationships between perceived school climate (PSC) and negative emotions (NEE) in adolescents, incorporating the mediating roles of social avoidance and distress (SAD) and psychological resilience (PSR) and examining the moderating influence of physical exercise level (PEL). Data were collected from 1,507 students in grades 5-9 across China using stratified random sampling. Demographic analysis revealed significant differences across gender, grade, and family location in PSC, SAD, PSR, NEE, and PEL. Structural equation modeling confirmed that PSC directly reduces NEE and exerts additional indirect effects through SAD and PSR, with a sequential chain mediation pathway accounting for the majority of the total effect. Multi-group analysis demonstrated structural invariance across genders. Moderation analysis indicated that PEL amplifies the protective effects of PSC on NEE, with higher levels of physical exercise strengthening this association. These findings provide comprehensive insights into the interplay of environmental, psychological, and behavioral factors, offering valuable implications for targeted educational and policy interventions.

The impact of physical activity on self-emotion management among university students in Western China: the mediating roles of self-rated health and life satisfaction

Objective

This study aims to investigate the impact of Physical Activity on Self-Emotional Management among university students and to verify the mediating roles of Self-Rated Health and Life Satisfaction.

Methods

A stratified cluster sampling method was used to enroll 10,300 university students from Western China. Questionnaires were used to collect data, which included demographic and sociological information, the Physical Activity Scale (for measuring Physical Activity), the Emotional Intelligence Scale (for measuring Self-Emotional Management), the Short-Form Health Survey (for measuring Self-Rated Health), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (for measuring Life Satisfaction). The results were statistically analyzed by using SPSS 26.0.

Results

There was a positive correlation between different intensities of Physical Activity and Self-Emotional Management among university students in Western China (p < 0.001). Yet the direct predictive effect on Self-Emotional Management was not significant. Low-Intensity Physical Activity positively predicted Self-Rated Health (β = 0.876, p < 0.001), while Vigorous-Intensity Physical Activity negatively predicted Self-Emotional Management (β = -1.500, p < 0.001). Self-Rated Health positively predicted both Life Satisfaction and Self-Emotional Management (β = 0.118, p < 0.001; β = 0.030, p < 0.001), and Life Satisfaction positively predicted Self-Emotional Management (β = 0.403, p < 0.001). Self-Rated Health partially mediated the relationship between Low-Intensity Physical Activity/Vigorous-Intensity Physical Activity and Self-Emotional Management, with effect sizes of 0.026 (95% CI: 0.002-0.052) and -0.045 (95% CI: -0.080 to -0.010) respectively. The serial mediation pathway, the Low-Intensity Physical Activity/Vigorous-Intensity Physical Activity→Self-Rated Health→Life Satisfaction→Self-Emotional Management was significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Low-Intensity Physical Activity or Vigorous-Intensity Physical Activity cannot directly influence university students' Self-Emotional Management ability. Based on self-determination theory, Self-Rated Health can independently influence university students' Self-Emotional Management ability. It can also indirectly influence Self-Emotional Management by incorporating the chained mediation effect of Self-Rated Health and Life Satisfaction.

Is physical activity associated with lower risk of social network problematic use or addiction? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The global rise in social media usage has led to an increasing prevalence of social network problematic use or addiction (SNPUA). Although previous research has identified a negative association between physical activity (PA) levels and some problematic digital behaviors, the relationship between PA and SNPUA remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine possible associations between PA and SNPUA.

METHODS

The search was registered in OSF and was conducted in November 2024 using the following search terms: ('Physical activity' or exercise) and (addiction or 'problematic use') and ('social network' or 'social media' or Instagram or Facebook or 'Tik Tok'). It was carried out in PubMed and Web of Science databases. A total of 255 articles were retrieved and 24 of them met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4 software.

RESULTS

The majority of studies included university students (n = 14) and primary or secondary school students (n = 7). The participants' mean age ranged from 13.9 to 27.43 years. Female participants accounted for 50.8 % of the total sample. The meta-analysis involving 150,000+ participants revealed that PA is inversely related to SNPUA. Most of the included studies (14/24), involving 94 % of the sample, reported that those participants who engage in a higher amount of PA had lower levels of SNPUA.

CONCLUSION

PA could be an effective tool to prevent or reduce social network addiction levels. However, inconsistency in collecting data on PA and SNPUA makes it difficult to draw solid conclusions.

Status and epidemiological characteristics of depression and anxiety among Chinese university students in 2023

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to understand the status of depression and anxiety among Chinese university students through epidemiological investigation of a large sample size and provide a foundation for identifying individuals at risk of psychological crisis and developing targeted intervention strategies.

METHODS

Survey participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling approach, which incorporated elements of stratification and cluster sampling. The main participants consisted of 49,717 university students from 106 Chinese universities. Self-report questionnaires were used to assess depression and anxiety levels retrospectively.

RESULTS

Of the 49,717 questionnaires collected, 41,620 were deemed valid after a rigorous data cleaning process, resulting in a validity rate of 83.7%. Among the respondents, 58.6% were female. The detection rates for depression, anxiety, and comorbidity of depression and anxiety among the students were 9.8%, 15.5%, and 6.5%, respectively. The detection rate of depression varied across different grades (V = 0.119) and locations of universities (V = 0.117). There were great differences in the detection rate of depression and anxiety symptoms among university students in terms of physical health (including self-rated health and vision) and health behaviors (including sleep, smoking and drinking), and physical health and healthy behaviors were important factors in the detection rate of depression and anxiety symptoms among college students.

CONCLUSION

Psychological health issues among Chinese university students are relatively severe, with higher grade students exhibiting particularly concerning signs.

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.

Relationship Between Sedentary Lifestyle, Physical Activity and Stress in University Students and Their Life Habits: A Scoping Review with PRISMA Checklist (PRISMA-ScR)

The global prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and the associated health risks, such as cardiovascular, metabolic and mental issues, is an epidemic worldwide problem, particularly in the university population.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

University students are particularly vulnerable because of academic pressure and lifestyle changes. Despite the well-known benefits of physical activity in reducing mental stress and improving physical and mental well-being, the literature lacks effective interventions and standardized protocols for this population. This study aims to investigate the state of the art in literature regarding the correlation between the use of physical activity as a means of prevention and intervention and the effects on university students' stress and mental well-being.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted using the PRISMA protocol for scoping reviews, targeting university population with specific terms.

RESULTS

The review analyzed 61 articles and identified a consistent positive correlation between physical activity and stress reduction. Interventions included yoga, tai chi, aerobic exercise and moderate- or high-intensity exercise. A lack of standardized protocols were also evident.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical activity is an effective means for managing stress and improving mental well-being among university students. An integrated approach combining different forms of exercise and strategies to regulate emotions could provide very effective effects on the mental well-being of students. Universities should propose physical activity programs in several forms to enable students to choose the most appropriate one and keep them active.

Mediating role of exercise in the relationship between body dissatisfaction and overeating using structural equation modeling

BACKGROUND

With the rapid development of society, teenagers have more access to individuals with perfect bodies and are becoming more concerned about their body image. Currently, few studies assess body image and eating disorders comprehensively in China. Given the seriousness of these issues, there is an urgent need to understand the current state of body image and eating behaviors among Chinese people and formulate preventive strategies.

METHODS

In this study, 1711 college students between 17 and 23 years old in southern China completed relevant anthropometric measurements, essential information and three questionnaires. Multiple linear regression was used to screen the variables, and sex invariant analysis was used to determine whether to separate men and women to fit the structural equation model. Finally, the path diagram of the structural equation model was used to explore the complex relationship between body dissatisfaction and overeating.

RESULTS

Our results found that 69.4% of participants with a body mass index (BMI) within the normal range were dissatisfied with their weight. Further, body dissatisfaction directly or indirectly leads to overeating. Additionally, exercise played a mediating role in the body dissatisfaction and overeating of college students.

CONCLUSIONS

If BMI directs body dissatisfaction, it may lead to overeating. As a mediating factor in structural equation modelling, exercise may provide strategies to reduce body dissatisfaction and prevent overeating.

Cross sectional associations of physical activity and sleep with mental health among Chinese university students

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the levels of physical activity (PA), sleep, and mental health (MH), specifically depression, anxiety, and stress, among Chinese university students. It also aimed to analyze the influencing factors of MH, providing a theoretical foundation for developing intervention programs to improve college students' mental health.

METHODS

A stratified, clustered, and phased sampling method was employed. In September 2022, a survey was conducted among 36,756 university students from 104 higher education institutions across 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China. The participants' PA behaviors, sleep patterns, depressive symptoms (use the CES-D), anxiety symptoms (use the GAD-7), smoking and drinking behaviors, and demographic information were assessed through an online questionnaire using Questionnaire Star software.

RESULTS

A total of 30,475 valid questionnaires were completed. The proportion of university students engaging in light-intensity PA was 77.6%. The prevalence of insufficient sleep was 39.5%, whereas the prevalence of poor sleep quality was 16.7%. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 10%, and the prevalence of anxiety symptoms was 23.3%. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that engaging in moderate to high-intensity PA and having sufficient and high-quality sleep were associated with a lower likelihood of depressive symptoms (OR = 0.207-0.800, P < 0.01), whereas appropriate sleep duration and higher sleep quality were associated with a lower likelihood of anxiety symptoms (OR = 0.134-0.827, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The intensity of PA among university students is predominantly light, and the reported rate of insufficient sleep is relatively high. Moderate to high-intensity PA and sufficient high-quality sleep may alleviate MH issues among college students, with an interaction effect observed among PA, sleep, and depression symptoms. Future studies should further explore targeted interventions combining PA and sleep behaviors to enhance the MH of university students.

The impact of electronic health literacy on emotional management ability among college students: the mediating roles of peer relationships and exercise self-efficacy

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore electronic health literacy's impact on college students' emotional management ability and analyze the chained mediating effects of peer relationships and exercise self-efficacy.

METHODS

The study used stratified, cluster, and staged sampling methods to collect demographic information. Electronic health literacy, peer relationships, exercise self-efficacy, and emotional management ability data were collected among college students using the Questionnaire Star software. A total of 30,105 valid questionnaires were obtained, with a valid response rate of 98.7%. Using Process Model 6, investigated how electronic health literacy sequentially influences emotional management ability through mediators such as peer relationships and exercise self-efficacy.

RESULTS

There was a significant positive correlation between electronic health literacy and emotional management ability (r = 0.496, P < 0.01), between electronic health literacy and peer relationships (r = 0.226, P < 0.01), and between electronic health literacy and exercise self-efficacy (r = 0.180, P < 0.01). Peer relationships were significantly positively correlated with exercise self-efficacy (r = 0.142, P < 0.01) and emotional management ability (r = 0.396, P < 0.01). Exercise self-efficacy was significantly positively correlated with emotional management ability (r = 0.339, P < 0.01). Electronic health literacy significantly and positively predicted emotional management ability (β = 0.254, P < 0.001). There was a mediating effect of peer relationships between electronic health literacy and emotional management ability, accounting for 58.2% of the impact, 95%CI: [0.036,0.042]. Exercise self-efficacy also mediated the relationship between electronic health literacy and emotional management ability, accounting for 61.5% of the effect, 95%CI: [0.022,0.027]. Moreover, a chained mediating effect of peer relationships and exercise self-efficacy was observed between electronic health literacy and emotional management ability, accounting for 17.1% of the effect, 95%CI: [0.004,0.005].

CONCLUSION

Electronic health literacy among college students can positively predict emotional management ability. Both peer relationships and exercise self-efficacy play a chained mediating role between electronic health literacy and emotional management ability.

The relationship between physical activity and sleep disorders in adolescents: a chain-mediated model of anxiety and mobile phone dependence

BACKGROUND

Adolescent sleep disorders have emerged as a significant global public health issue. This study aims to investigate the relationship between physical activity and sleep disorders in adolescents, and to further analyze the chain mediating effects of anxiety and mobile phone dependence, with the goal of providing empirical evidence for related clinical research.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study collected data through an offline questionnaire survey conducted in 2024. The survey assessed physical activity, sleep disorders, anxiety, and mobile phone dependence. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were utilized to construct a chain mediation model.

RESULTS

A total of 495 valid samples were obtained, with 227 girls (45.9%) and 268 boys (54.1%). The average age of the participants was 13.37 years (SD = 1.05). The results indicated significant negative correlations between physical activity and adolescent anxiety, mobile phone dependence, and sleep disorders. Anxiety and mobile phone dependence fully mediated the relationship between physical activity and sleep disorders.

CONCLUSION

This study provides further insight into the underlying mechanisms linking physical activity and sleep disorders in adolescents. Physical activity not only has a direct negative effect on sleep disorders but also indirectly predicts sleep disorders through its impact on anxiety and mobile phone dependence. It is recommended that families and schools encourage increased physical activity among adolescents, as it can reduce anxiety and mobile phone dependence, thereby alleviating sleep disorders.

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.

Effects of a 12-Week Mixed-Method Physical Exercise Program on Physical Fitness, Stress, Anxiety, and Quality of Life in Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: A Case Series Study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Although the health benefits related to physical exercise for adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) have been recognized, studies indicate that individuals with CP at school age are less involved in physical activities than their typical peers and are twice as likely to engage in sedentary behaviors. Therefore, our study aims to investigate the effects of a physical exercise program on physical fitness, stress, anxiety, and quality-of-life variables.

METHODS

A total of 15 teenagers with ambulatory CP (n = 8 boys, n = 7 girls, between 12 and 18 years old; M = 14.35; SD = 1.76) completed a 12-week program based on a mixed-method approach with face-to-face and live online activities. The outcome measures were physical fitness, stress, anxiety, and quality of life.

RESULTS

The 12-week exercise program resulted in gains in muscular strength, flexibility, and aerobic endurance tests, characterized by an increase in average walking speed and average VO2 max. There was also a significant change in the perception of emotional states of depression, anxiety, and stress reported by the participants.

CONCLUSIONS

The program proved to be effective in physical fitness tests and perception of emotional states. Given the positive effects produced by the program, its design appears to meet the demands of adolescents with cerebral palsy.

Physical activity and social anxiety symptoms among Chinese college students: a serial mediation model of psychological resilience and sleep problems

BACKGROUND

Social anxiety symptoms are common and harmful psychological illness in college students. Although some studies have illustrated that physical activity could reduce social anxiety symptoms, the specific mechanism is still unclear. Based on theoretical studies on resilience and sleep, this study constructed a serial mediation model to explore whether they mediate between physical activity and social anxiety symptoms among college students.

METHODS

This study surveyed 9,530 college students from three colleges in China to explore the mediating effect of physical activity and sleep problems between physical activity and social anxiety symptoms. Participants were investigated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Sleep-related problems, and the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale and the Social Phobia Scale. Correlations between variables were analysed using Pearson correlation analysis and mediation analyses were performed using SPSS PROCESS macro 3.3 software.

RESULT

The study found that physical activity was negatively associated with social anxiety symptoms and sleep problems, but positively with psychological resilience. After controlling for sociodemographic variables, physical activity can not only indirectly alleviate social anxiety symptoms through the separate mediation of psychological resilience and sleep problems, but also through the serial mediation of psychological resilience and sleep problems.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that improving physical activity levels could reduce social anxiety scores by increasing psychological resilience and sleep quality. This is of great reference significance for the prevention and intervention of college students' mental health.

Beyond the Classroom: The Influence of Food Insecurity, Mental Health, and Sleep Quality on University Students' Academic Performance

We aimed to analyze the association between food insecurity (FI) and academic performance in university students, including mental health and sleep quality (SQ), in an association model. A cross-sectional design included university students (n = 466, 72.5% women) from Mexico. We applied the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Students self-reported their academic grading (AG) and perceptions about their academic performance. Spearman's rho and multiple logistic regression models were used. Almost half (47%) experienced some level of FI. The median AG was 95. AG was not significantly (p > 0.05) correlated with FI, nor with depression, anxiety, stress, and SQ. Considering mental health and SQ, moderate/severe FI remained significantly associated with perceived overall progress in college (OR: 2.96; 95%CI: 1.49, 5.88) and attendance to classes (OR:3.14; 95%CI: 1.19, 8.28) as poor or regular, and it was positively related to perceiving difficulties in completing their studies (OR:2.75; 95%CI: 1.43, 5.29). Stress, anxiety, depression symptoms, and poor SQ were also significantly associated with poor/regular perception of academic performance. These findings highlight the need to address psychological and nutritional factors in university students to promote their well-being and academic success.