How physical exercise enhances life satisfaction in Chinese senior college students: mediating roles of self-efficacy and resilience

Objective This study explored the relationship between physical exercise and life satisfaction among senior college students by focusing on the mediating roles of self-efficacy and resilience, thereby providing theoretical support for the mental health benefits of physical exercise for senior students. Methods A survey was conducted with 600 senior students from 10 universities using the physical exercise rating, life satisfaction, self-efficacy, and resilience scales. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 23.0 for descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and reliability and validity assessments. In addition, AMOS software (version 24.0) was used to construct a structural equation model to test the hypothesized pathways and the effects of potential mediating variables. Results There were significant positive correlations among the variables of physical exercise, life satisfaction, self-efficacy, and resilience (r = 0.11-0.62, all p < 0.01). The structural equation model revealed that resilience fully mediated the relationship between physical exercise and life satisfaction among senior students (95% CI: 0.105-0.243), while self-efficacy did not mediate this relationship (beta = 0.02, p = 0.77). However, a chain mediating effect involving self-efficacy and resilience was observed between physical exercise and life satisfaction (95% CI: 0.127-0.235). Conclusion Enhanced physical exercise can improve self-efficacy and resilience among senior college students, thereby increasing their life satisfaction.