Effects of physical exercise on negative emotions in adolescents: Sequential mediation through psychological benefits and social self-efficacy

Abstract

Objective

Negative emotions during adolescence constitute a significant public health challenge requiring theoretically-grounded intervention approaches. This investigation examined sequential mediation mechanisms whereby physical exercise influences adolescent negative emotions through psychological benefits and social self-efficacy pathways, integrating neurobiological and social-cognitive theoretical frameworks.

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis of 1471 Chinese adolescents (Mean age = 13.16 years) from Guangxi, China, with data collected in September 2024, employed structural equation modeling with bias-corrected bootstrapping to test hypothesized sequential mediation pathways. Physical exercise, psychological benefits, social self-efficacy, and negative emotions were assessed using validated instruments.

Results

The sequential mediation model showed acceptable fit (χ²/df = 3.09, comparative fit index = 0.97, root mean square error of approximation = 0.04, standardized root mean square residual = 0.04). Physical exercise was directly associated with lower negative emotions and indirectly through psychological benefits. A sequential pathway from exercise → psychological benefits → social self-efficacy → negative emotions was also observed. The model explained 56 % of the variance in negative emotions.

Conclusions

Findings demonstrate that exercise influences adolescent negative emotions through both direct neurobiological mechanisms (31.7 % of total effect) and sequential psychological adaptation processes (68.3 % of total effect). Programs that enhance perceived psychological gains from exercise and build social efficacy may deliver meaningful emotional benefits.