The relationship between physical exercise and psychological capital in college students: the mediating role of perceived social support and self-control

作者：Lin Yan, Mengjiao He, Weiqing Zhou, Minghao Zhang, Qīng Wáng, Yingying Chen, Lina Wang, Hua Guo · 发表于：BMC Public Health · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1186/s12889-025-21856-8 · 被引用次数：30 · 研究领域：Health disparities and outcomes、Behavioral Health and Interventions、Physical Activity and Health

BACKGROUND: The mental health of college students significantly impacts their life, academic performance, and even employment prospects. Research indicates that physical exercise can promote mental health, but the pathways of its influence require further exploration. This study investigates the relationship between physical exercise and psychological capital in college students, focusing on the mediating roles of perceived social support and self-control. OBJECTIVES: This study seeks to investigate the relationship between physical exercise and psychological capital among university students, with a further in-depth analysis of the mediating roles played by perceived social support and self-control within this dynamic. METHODS: Using cluster sampling, we surveyed 898 college students from five universities in Xinxiang, Henan Province, employing the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), the Revised Self-Control Scale (SCS), and the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ). Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 and Amos 23.0, and common method bias was tested using Harman's single-factor test. The significance of the mediation effects was tested using the bootstrap sampling method. RESULTS: (1) Physical exercise is significantly correlated with psychological capital (r = 0.786, p < 0.01); (2) Perceived social support and self-control mediate the relationship between physical exercise and psychological capital; (3) The mediation effec...