Preventing mental health issues: Exploring the influence of physical exercise on rumination and thought suppression

This study explores the moderating role of physical exercise in the relationship between rumination and thought suppression. Using a questionnaire methodology, a survey was conducted on a sample of college students in Gansu Province, China, utilizing self-developed demographic questionnaires, rumination scales, White Bear Suppression Inventory (WBSI), and physical activity level scales. A total of 315 responses were collected online and analyzed using SPSS 26.0. The results indicate significant correlations among rumination, thought suppression, and physical exercise (ps < 0.001). Rumination positively predicts thought suppression behavior (β = 0.958, t = 60.678, p < 0.001), and physical exercise moderates the impact of rumination on thought suppression (β = -0.171, t = -5.985, p < 0.001). Higher levels of rumination are associated with increased occurrences of thought suppression, but physical exercise attenuates the negative influence of rumination on thought suppression. These findings suggest the importance of prioritizing physical exercise, and individuals with conditions such as obsession, depression, and anxiety may benefit from incorporating physical exercise into interventions and treatments to reduce thought suppression tendencies and promote overall well-being.