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2024-11-29

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Vol. 9 No. 11 (2024): Published

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How to Cite

Choi, H., & Yu, T. (2024). Cross-lagged effects of physical exercise on mental health: the mediating effects of emotional expression and self-efficacy. Environment and Social Psychology, 9(11). https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v9i11.3125

Cross-lagged effects of physical exercise on mental health: the mediating effects of emotional expression and self-efficacy

Hyunsoo Choi

Department of Physical Education, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea

Teng Yu

Sports Department, Hubei University of Automotive Technology, Shiyan 442002, Hubei, China


DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v9i11.3125


Keywords: Physical exercise, mental health, emotional expression, self-efficacy, college students, cross-lagged panel analysis, mediation, longitudinal study, psychological well-being, health promotion

Abstract

This longitudinal study investigated the bidirectional relationship between physical exercise and mental health among college students, focusing on the mediating roles of emotional expression and self-efficacy. Using a cross-lagged panel design with three time points over an academic year, data were collected from 500 undergraduate students in China. Structural equation modeling revealed significant reciprocal effects between physical exercise and mental health outcomes. Mediation analysis demonstrated that emotional expression and self-efficacy collectively accounted for 38% of the total effect of physical exercise on mental health. Physical exercise at earlier time points positively predicted both emotional expression (β = 0.16, p < .01) and self-efficacy (β = 0.19, p < .001) at subsequent time points, which in turn predicted improved mental health outcomes. The study also found significant direct effects of physical exercise on mental health (β = -0.182, p < .001), indicating unique contributions beyond the examined mediators. These findings highlight the complex mechanisms through which physical exercise influences mental health and suggest that interventions integrating physical activity with strategies to enhance emotional regulation and self-efficacy may be particularly effective in promoting mental well-being among college students. The results underscore the importance of adopting a holistic approach to mental health promotion that considers both physical and psychological factors in young adult populations.

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