A test of the mediating effects of social interaction, physical fitness, and alleviation of negative emotions in the influence of physical exercise on residents' subjective wellbeing—empirical analysis based on CGSS 2023

This study identified a positive association between physical exercise and Chinese adults' subjective wellbeing, with social interaction, physical health, and the alleviation of negative emotions functioning as mediating mechanisms in this association. Accordingly, it is recommended that governments, schools, and all sectors of society expand and diversify physical activity (PA) programs and cultivate supportive environments that promote regular exercise, thereby improving population health and wellbeing.