Physical Fitness Self-Efficacy Influences College Students' Subjective Well-Being Through the Mediating Role of Physical Activity and the Moderating Effect of Gender

Amid growing concerns about mental health issues in higher education, understanding determinants of college students' subjective well-being has become crucial. While existing research establishes connections between psychological factors and well-being, the specific mechanisms linking physical fitness perceptions with mental health outcomes remain underexplored. This study explores the influence of physical fitness self-efficacy on college students' subjective well-being, highlighting the mediating role of physical activity and the moderating effect of gender. Using the "Physical Fitness Self-Efficacy Scale," "Physical Activity Level Scale" (PARS-3), and "Subjective Well-Being Questionnaire," data were collected from 455 students (Age 19.13±1.32) in Yunnan Province, China, and analyzed using SPSS 27.0 and Process 4.2. Results showed significant gender differences in physical fitness self-efficacy, physical activity, and subjective well-being, with physical activity mediating 20.86% of the effect (The results support that physical activity plays a partial mediating role between physical fitness self-efficacy and subjective well-being). Notably, gender moderated this relationship, as the study found that physical fitness self-efficacy and physical activity predict subjective well-being in both male (ΔR² = 11.40%, mediating effect 11.93%) and female university students (ΔR<sup>2</sup> = 14.40%, mediating effect 23.66%), with exercise behavior showing a stronger mediating role in females. These findings extend social cognitive theory by demonstrating gender-specific pathways through which physical self-perceptions translate into well-being outcomes. And the study suggests the importance of promoting physical fitness self-efficacy and physical activity to enhance college students' subjective well-being, with gender-specific intervention strategies recommended.