A chain mediation model reveals the association between physical exercise and sense of meaning in life in college students

Exploring the relationship between and the sense of meaning in life among college students, as well as the mediating roles of time management disposition and achievement motivation in this association. A convenience sampling method was used to survey 517 university students in Liaoning Province, employing scales measuring , time management disposition, achievement motivation, and sense of meaning in life. (1) Physical exercise showed a significant positive correlation with meaning in life, demonstrating clear direct predictive effects; (2) Physical exercise positively predicted time management disposition, which in turn positively predicted both achievement motivation and meaning in life, with achievement motivation also positively predicting meaning in life; (3) Time management disposition and achievement motivation served as significant mediators between physical exercise and meaning in life, with three identified mediation pathways: physical exercise → time management disposition → meaning in life; physical exercise → achievement motivation → meaning in life; and physical exercise → time management disposition → achievement motivation → meaning in life. (1) Physical exercise significantly and positively predicts college students' sense of meaning in life; (2) Time management disposition and achievement motivation each serve as mediators, while also functioning as sequential mediators in the relationship between physical exercise and sense of meaning in life.