The role of soft skills in academic achievement among physical education students: a mediation analysis

This study explores the role of soft skills in academic performance among physical education students, with a focus on the mediating effects of self-management, adaptability, and social interaction. A dual-path mediation model was proposed, wherein cognitive and innovative abilities are associated with academic achievement through two mediators: self-management and adaptability, and social interaction and teamwork. A survey of 627 undergraduate physical education students was conducted, and data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) and regression analysis. The results show that cognitive and innovative abilities are significantly related to academic performance both directly and indirectly. Specifically, self-management and adaptability, as well as social interaction and teamwork, were found to partially mediate these relationships. The findings underscore the critical role of soft skills in enhancing academic success, highlighting the indirect effect of cognitive abilities on academic performance through the development of soft skills. This study contributes to the existing literature by demonstrating the importance of soft skills in education and suggesting that educational institutions should integrate soft skills training into curricula to improve student outcomes. The implications for educational practice are discussed, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to student development that combines cognitive and non-cognitive skills to foster both academic and professional success.