Evaluation The Model Fit of Physical Exercise and Resilience: The Mediation Role of Mindfulness

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of mindfulness in the relationship between physical exercise and resilience among sport science students. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional, quantitative design was used to explore the structural relationships among physical exercise, mindfulness, and resilience. The study involved 167 university students (86 males, 87 females; M_age = 20.17, SD = 1.05) from the Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health at the University of Tehran, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using three instruments: the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the Mindfulness Inventory for Sport (MIS), and a self-reported physical activity questionnaire calculating monthly exercise hours. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS 29, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted in AMOS to assess the model fit and test the hypothesized mediational pathway. Findings: The SEM analysis supported the hypothesized model, indicating satisfactory fit indices (χ² = 1.85, df = 31, RMSEA = 0.05, CFI = 0.99, GFI = 0.99). Significant positive associations were found between physical exercise and resilience subcomponents, including personal competence (r = .40, p < .01), tolerance to negative affect (r = .20, p < .05), acceptance of change (r = .43, p < .01), and self-control (r = .46, p < .01), but not with spiritual influences. Physical exercise was also significantly correlated with mindfulness subcomponents such as awareness (r = .32, p < .05) and reconcentration (r = .28, p < .05), but not with being non-judgmental. Mindfulness significantly mediated the relationship between physical exercise and resilience (β = .31, p < .01), confirming its intermediary role. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that mindfulness plays a significant mediating role in the positive effect of physical exercise on resilience in sport science students. These results underscore the importance of integrated interventions combining physical activity and mindfulness to enhance psychological resilience and overall well-being.