How Does Physical Exercise Improve the Subjective Well-Being of the Chinese Adult Population? A Moderated Mediation Model

Abstract

Based on the 2017 data from the China General Social Survey (CGSS), the conditional process analysis method was used to explore the relationship between physical exercise and subjective well-being, as well as the mediating effect of social capital and the moderating effect of Internet use. This study found that the effect of physical exercise on subjective well-being includes both direct effects and indirect effects. Physical exercise directly and positively affects SWB and partially affects SWB through social networks as a mediating variable. Additionally, Internet use can moderate the direct effect of physical exercise on SWB and the mediating effect of social networks on the relationship between the two. As the frequency of Internet use increases, the link between physical exercise and social capital weakens, resulting in a decreased promotion effect on SWB. The results of this study further reveal the internal mechanism linking physical exercise and the improvement of SWB, which is of great significance for enhancing the accessibility of physical exercise facilities and promoting a healthy online lifestyle, ultimately leading to improved well-being among residents.