Exercise Attitudes Mediate the Impact of Mental Health on Physical Activity Practices Among Chinese College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chongqing

J Multidiscip Healthc. 2026 Jun 3;19:588577. doi: 10.2147/JMDH.S588577. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study examined how exercise attitudes mediate the link between mental health and physical activity in Chongqing college students, using structural equation modeling to identify key factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey recruited college students at Chongqing Medical University between October 29 and November 20, 2024. Demographic data and Mental Health, Attitude and Practice scores were collected using self-Administrated questionnaires.

RESULTS: A total of 2113 valid responses were analyzed. Among the respondents, 1,288 (60.96%) were first-year students, and 1,337 (63.27%) reported having a regular exercise habit. The mean scores for mental health, attitude as well as practice were 1.54 ± 0.57 (possible range: 1-4.85; representing the mean score per item across 80 items, where scores <2 indicate no mental health issues), 21.43 ± 3.36 (possible range: 6-30) and 33.09 ± 6.16 (possible range: 9-45), respectively. Spearman Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive association between attitude and practice (r=0.7195, P<0.001). Mediation analysis showed that the direct effect of mental health on both attitude (β = -0.38, P<0.001) and practice (β=-0.06, P=0.001), as well as of attitude on practice (β=0.88, P<0.001), furthermore, mental health indirectly affected practice through attitude (β=-0.34, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that exercise attitudes mediate the mental health-physical activity link. Integrated campus strategies combining psychological support and attitude interventions are recommended.

PMID:42261565 | PMC:PMC13242848 | DOI:10.2147/JMDH.S588577