Physical exercise and subjective well-being of Chinese adults: Relationship and mechanisms based on the Chinese General Social Survey 2021

We explored the relationship between physical exercise and subjective wellbeing among Chinese adults and examined its mechanisms. Data were sourced from 2,192 respondents to the Chinese General Social Survey 2021 regarding subjective well-being, physical exercise, perceived physical health, perceived mental health, body mass index, and frequency of socialization. After controlling for relevant variables, exercisers were found to have greater subjective well-being than did those who did not exercise. In addition, the perception of physical health and the frequency of socialization fully mediated the relationship between physical exercise and subjective well-being. We recommend that relevant policies be set in place to develop measures to promote Chinese adults' participation in physical exercise and thereby improve their subjective well-being.