Physical activity and depressive symptoms among college students: positive mental health as a mediator

This study advances theoretical understanding by identifying positive mental health as one possible pathway linking physical activity to better mental health outcomes. Due to the effect is small, the results should be interpreted cautiously. The findings provide conceptual support for integrating positive mental health promotion into physical activity-based interventions targeting college students' depressive symptoms, with no causal inferences implied due to the cross-sectional design.