The effect of sensation seeking on physical exercise: A moderated mediation model

In recent years, China has implemented several policies aimed at encouraging more college students to engage in physical exercise, and promoting physical and mental development. Therefore, the factors that influence physical exercise among college students and their relationships should be explored in depth. In this study, a moderated mediation model was developed to investigate the impact of sensation seeking on physical exercise, with intentional self-regulation as a mediating variable and stress as a moderating variable. This study explored the relationship between sensation seeking and physical exercise using a sample of 968 college students, who completed the Sensation Seeking Scale, Physical Activity Rating Scale, Intentional Self-regulation Scale, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. Our results prove that appropriate improvement of intentional self-regulation in high sensation-seeking college students can promote the generation of physical exercise behavior. At the same time, in the case of high stress, college students with high sensation seeking will properly adjust the intentional self-regulation strategy, so as to carry out physical exercise, build a scientific and reasonable physical exercise system, and further improve their physical and mental health.