The Effects of Physical Exercise on Adolescents’ School Adjustment and Path Analysis—Evidence from the China Education Panel Survey

Considering the role of school adjustment in the development of adolescent populations, it is particularly essential to find ways to improve the school adjustment of middle school students and to develop further the socialization of adolescents. Based on the 2014-2015 data of the China Education Panel Survey, the effects of physical exercise on adolescents' school adjustment and possible mechanisms were systematically explored. Based on the ordinary least squares method, instrumental variable method, and propensity score matching method, the results of the study showed that physical exercise significantly improved adolescents' school adjustment. The results of the mediation effects test indicated that physical exercise not only enhances adolescents' school adjustment by alleviating negative emotions, but also enhances adolescents' school adjustment by improving prosocial behavior. This study reveals the mechanism of physical exercise and adolescents' school adjustment, and provides reasonable and effective suggestions for better promoting adolescents' school adjustment and formulating related policies.