The influence of personality traits on college students’ exercise behavior: a chain mediation model of exercise self-efficacy and exercise motivation

This study elucidates how personality traits are associated with college students' exercise behavior through the mediating roles of exercise self-efficacy and exercise motivation. Specifically, Extraversion and Neuroticism demonstrated partial mediation through both self-efficacy and motivation, while Openness was associated with exercise behavior solely via motivation. The association between Conscientiousness and exercise behavior was fully mediated by both factors, indicating a complete indirect pathway. Although directly changing personality traits is challenging, targeting modifiable psychological mechanisms-such as enhancing self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation-may effectively promote exercise engagement. Personalized intervention strategies that account for individual personality characteristics and gender-specific motivational factors are recommended to support students' physical and mental health and reduce long-term health risks.