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Physical Activity and Anxiety of Chinese University Students: Mediation of Self-System

Author

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  • Sumaira Kayani

    (Department of Psychology, College of Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321001, China
    Department of Education, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Punjab 46300, Pakistan)

  • Tayyaba Kiyani

    (Department of Physical Education, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China)

  • Saima Kayani

    (Department of Education, Women University Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Bagh 12500, Pakistan)

  • Tony Morris

    (Institute of Health and Sport, Victoria University, Ballarat Rd, Footscray, VIC 3011, Australia)

  • Michele Biasutti

    (Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, 35139 Padova, Italy)

  • Jin Wang

    (Department of Physical Education, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China)

Abstract

The present study examined the role of self-enhancement and self-criticism in the relationship between physical activity and anxiety. A total of 305 students from Chinese universities, ranging in age from 18 to 36, completed a questionnaire package comprising a physical activity questionnaire, a self-enhancement strategies scale, a level of self-criticism scale, and a short form of state and trait anxiety scale. Findings highlighted that physical activity had a significant negative correlation with anxiety (r = −0.31, p < 0.01), a significant positive association with self-enhancement (r = 0.43, p < 0.01), and a significant negative relationship with self-criticism (r = −0.14, p < 0.05). It was also found that anxiety was significantly predicted by self-enhancement (−0.21, p < 0.01) and self-criticism (0.44, p < 0.01). Moreover, the mediation model supports the mediation of self-enhancement and self-criticism between physical activity and anxiety in university students. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at promoting physical activity and enhancing the self-system should be worthy strategies for reducing students’ anxiety.

Suggested Citation

  • Sumaira Kayani & Tayyaba Kiyani & Saima Kayani & Tony Morris & Michele Biasutti & Jin Wang, 2021. "Physical Activity and Anxiety of Chinese University Students: Mediation of Self-System," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-13, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:9:p:4468-:d:541607
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sumaira Kayani & Tayyaba Kiyani & Jin Wang & María Luisa Zagalaz Sánchez & Saima Kayani & Haroona Qurban, 2018. "Physical Activity and Academic Performance: The Mediating Effect of Self-Esteem and Depression," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-17, October.
    2. Mingli Liu & Lang Wu & Qingsen Ming, 2015. "How Does Physical Activity Intervention Improve Self-Esteem and Self-Concept in Children and Adolescents? Evidence from a Meta-Analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(8), pages 1-17, August.
    3. Ullrich-French, Sarah & Cole, Amy N. & Montgomery, Anna K., 2016. "Evaluation development for a physical activity positive youth development program for girls," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 67-76.
    4. Sumaira Kayani & Jin Wang & Michele Biasutti & María Luisa Zagalaz Sánchez & Tayyaba Kiyani & Saima Kayani, 2020. "Mechanism Between Physical Activity and Academic Anxiety: Evidence from Pakistan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-17, April.
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    1. Yikeranmu Yiming & Bing Shi & Abdulelah A. Alghamdi & Sumaira Kayani & Michele Biasutti, 2023. "Social Support and Self-Efficacy as Mediators between Internal Locus of Control and Adolescents’ Physical Activity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-11, March.
    2. Eduardo Melguizo-Ibáñez & Félix Zurita-Ortega & José Luis Ubago-Jiménez & Pilar Puertas-Molero & Gabriel González-Valero, 2022. "Motivational Climate, Anxiety and Physical Self-Concept in Trainee Physical Education Teachers—An Explanatory Model Regarding Physical Activity Practice Time," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-13, October.
    3. Hanying Zhang & Yuke Qin & Sabika Khalid & Endale Tadesse & Chunhai Gao, 2023. "A Systematic Review of the Impact of Physical Activity on Cognitive and Noncognitive Development in Chinese University Students," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-11, January.
    4. Joanna Baran & Katarzyna Kalandyk-Osinko & Rafał Baran, 2022. "Does Prenatal Physical Activity Affect the Occurrence of Postnatal Anxiety and Depression? Longitudinal Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-12, February.

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