Abstract
Objective
To explore the mediating pathway of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms among university students.
Methods
A cross-sectional design was used to survey 2,537 university students using the Physical Activity Rating Scale-3, Patients′ Health Questionnaire, and Cognitive Flexibility Inventory. Data analysis was conducted using independent samples t-test, chi-square test, correlation analysis, one-way ANOVA, and mediation analysis.
Results
There was a significant negative correlation between physical activity levels and depressive symptoms scores (r = 0.063, P < 0.059), a significant positive correlation between physical activity levels and controllability scores (r = 0.064, P < 0.05), and a significant negative correlation between depressive symptoms and controllability scores (r=-0.367, P < 0.01). The total effect of physical activity intensity on depressive symptoms was − 0.3542, 95% CI: -0.5439~-0.1645, the direct effect of physical activity intensity on depressive symptoms was − 0.3542, 95% CI: -0.5439~-0.1645, and the mediating effect of controllability was − 0.1343, 95% CI: -0.2145~-0.0630.
Conclusion
The more physical activity university students engage in, the lower their depressive symptoms scores. Controllability mediates the relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms in university students.