Gender differences in the mediating effect of physical activity on the relationship between self-efficacy and...

Chinese undergraduates exhibit notable gender differences in their subjective exercise experiences. These differences are closely linked to variations in their physical activity participation and self-efficacy beliefs. Despite growing research on the links between self-efficacy, physical activity, and subjective exercise experiences, few studies have systematically examined whether physical activity mediates the relationship between self-efficacy and subjective exercise experiences. Guided by social cognitive theory (SCT), this study aims to investigate the mediating effect of physical activity on the relationship between self-efficacy and subjective exercise experiences and further explore potential gender differences in this mediating mechanism among Chinese college students. This study conducted an online questionnaire survey among 1,674 college students (n = 1,674; M = 19.15, SD = 1.23; 506 males and 1,186 females). Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed physical activity partially mediated the links between self-efficacy and positive well-being (β = 0.10, p < 0.01), and self-efficacy and fatigue (β = 0.13, p < 0.01), but not self-efficacy and psychological distress (β = 0.04, p = 0.22). This study confirms physical activity partially mediates the link between self-efficacy and Chinese college students' subjective exercise experiences (positive well-being, fatigue), with notable gender differences. These findings support gender-specific exercise interventions: enhancing self-efficacy to increase physical activity for males, and focusing on self-efficacy to reduce negative experiences for females.