Structural equation modelling of professional athlete students' social adjustment, intimacy, well-being, and psychological safety with mediating role of physical activities

Understanding the professional athlete students' social adjustment, intimacy, well-being, and psychological safety is crucial, as they significantly impact students' psychological well-being, behaviours, and overall quality of life. In the context of Chinese universities, the influence of the interplay between these variables and understanding the role of physical activity as a mediating variable is essential. This study employs structural equation modelling to investigate the interplay between professional athlete students' social adjustment, intimacy, well-being, and psychological safety. Additionally, the study explores the mediating role of physical activities in shaping the relationship between these variables, providing insights into the multifaceted dynamics of students' well-being in the context of their educational and athletic experiences. Three hundred eighty-four undergraduate students from Jiangxi University of Science and Technology in China were selected through convenience sampling. The participants were all members of the university volleyball and football clubs. They were undergraduate and graduate students. Results show that the hypothetical model enjoyed an acceptable level of convergent and divergent validity and reliability. Results showed that intimacy and social adjustment significantly affect the students' physical activity, well-being, and psychological safety. Results also verified that physical activity plays a significant role as the mediating variable. Direct influences of physical activity on well-being and its mediating role in the interplay between intimacy and psychological safety offer insights for targeted interventions, emphasizing the need for holistic well-being programs acknowledging complex connections in athletes and broader populations. Fostering intimate relationships and promoting social adjustment can catalyze increased physical activity. Integrating physical activity into well-being initiatives is crucial for enhancing overall well-being among athletes and beyond.