The relationship between physical exercise and social anxiety: the mediating role of social comparison and emotion regulation.

BACKGROUND

Social anxiety has become a significant issue in mental health studies because of its association with college students' academic success and well-being. While physical exercise is related to better physical fitness, its potential association with lower mental health issues, particularly social anxiety, needs further investigation. This study examines whether social comparison and emotion regulation are associated with the link between physical exercise and social anxiety.

METHODS

A random sample of 614 college students from Yan'an University, Shaanxi Province, completed questionnaires measuring physical activity, social anxiety, social comparison, and emotion regulation. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 to examine relationships and mediating effects.

RESULTS

Physical exercise was associated with lower levels of social anxiety, partly explained by its associations with reduced negative social comparisons and better emotion regulation. Significant correlations were found between physical exercise and social comparison (β = -0.1014, p < 0.001), emotion regulation (β = 0.1447, p < 0.001), social comparison and emotion regulation (β = -0.9820, p < 0.001), and emotion regulation and social anxiety (β = -0.2928, p < 0.001), but not between physical exercise and social anxiety (β = -0.0117, p > 0.050).

CONCLUSION

Physical exercise is indirectly related to lower social anxiety, partly explained by reduced negative social comparisons and better emotion regulation, underscoring its potential value and implications for mental health promotion.