The association between physical activity and positive affect in adolescents: the chain mediating role of psychological resilience and regulatory emotional self-efficacy

Previous studies have indicated the positive impact of physical activity on positive affect in adolescents. However, the psychological mechanism is still under-explored. The current study aims to investigate the mediating role of psychological resilience and regulatory emotional self-efficacy on the relationship between physical activity and positive affect. This cross-sectional study recruited 580 adolescents (280 females, 12 to 16 years old). All participants completed the measures of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A), the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Regulatory Emotional Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. Results showed that the association between physical activity and positive affect was significant in adolescents. Psychological resilience played a mediating role between physical activity and positive affect. The chain mediation effect of psychological resilience and regulatory emotional self-efficacy on the relationship between physical activity and positive affect was significant. These results indicated that physical activity could positively impact adolescents' positive affect through psychological resilience and regulatory emotional self-efficacy. Our findings highlighted the importance of physical activity on positive affect on adolescents, which would benefit the mental health of this population.