Impact of School Sports and Physical Education Learning Interest on Students' SDG 3 Sustainable Health Behaviors

Objective: This study aims to integrate Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory (EST) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to identify key factors influencing sustainable health behaviors among students in China. Theoretical Framework: Based on EST and SDT, the study examines how environmental resources, social support, and psychological motivation jointly affect students’ health behaviors. EST focuses on external environments, while SDT highlights intrinsic motivational needs. Method: Data were collected from national databases, social media platforms, and school reports covering over 2,500 schools. PLS-SEM and big data analysis techniques were employed to evaluate the theoretical framework. Results and Discussion: The results show that sports facilities and teacher support significantly enhance students’ interest in PE, which strongly predicts sustainable health behaviors. Regional resource disparities lead to unequal participation, while intrinsic motivation mediates the effect of environmental constraints. Research Implications: This study extends the application of EST and SDT to health behavior research, providing theoretical and practical insights for policy and educational practice. Originality/Value: This is the first study to integrate EST and SDT in the context of sustainable health behaviors, offering targeted recommendations for improving resource allocation and social support.