Effects of emotional intelligence on physical activity engagement and the mediating roles of achievement motivation and interpersonal relationship in Chinese undergraduate students

The results demonstrated a positive effect of EI on AM and PAE (<i>β</i> = 0.29, <i>p</i> < 0.001; <i>β</i> = 0.28, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Furthermore, AM was found to have a positive effect on PAE (<i>β</i> = 0.07, <i>p</i> < 0.05). Notably, AM mediated between EI and PAE. In conclusion, our findings provide further insight into the effect of EI on undergraduate students' PAE, and reveal the mediating role of AM.