Exploring the relationship between sports media use, sports participation behavior, and sport commitment: a mixed-methods study using structural equation modeling and qualitative insights

This study demonstrates that SMU plays a significant role in fostering sports participation and commitment, with SPB as a key mediator. The integration of qualitative insights strengthens these findings by illustrating the personal experiences and psychological mechanisms that drive engagement. These results underscore the potential of sports media for promoting sustained participation and commitment, offering practical implications for policymakers, educators, and sports organizations aiming to leverage media for greater sports engagement. Future research should explore cultural differences and the role of specific media content types to refine further our understanding of the media's correlation with sports behavior.