The influence of physical exercise on achievement motivation among college students: the mediating roles of self-efficacy and life satisfaction

A significant positive correlation is present between physical exercise and achievement motivation (r = 0.464, <i>p</i> < 0.01), self-efficacy (r = 0.288, <i>p</i> < 0.01), and life satisfaction (r = 0.333, <i>p</i> < 0.01) among college students. Moreover, achievement motivation demonstrates a positive association with self-efficacy (r = 0.506, <i>p</i> < 0.01) and life satisfaction (r = 0.399, <i>p</i> < 0.01). Furthermore, the relationship between physical exercise and achievement motivation can be influenced by both self-efficacy and life satisfaction as mediators in our constructed mediation model where the total effect is 0.512 with direct effect of 0.348 and indirect effect of 0.163. The results of the constructed mediating effect model demonstrate that self-efficacy and life satisfaction serve as significant mediators and moderators, effectively enhancing the achievement motivation levels of college students. This study provides novel insights for enhancing intervention strategies to improve levels of achievement motivation not only among Chinese but also global college students.