The effect of physical exercise on negative emotions in college students—chain mediating role of flourishing and rumination

Introduction: This study examined the association between physical exercise and negative emotions among college students, with a particular focus on the roles of flourishing and rumination. Although physical activity has been linked to mental health, the relationships among these variables remain to be further clarified. Methods: A total of 1,567 college students (mean age = 20.08 ± 2.77 years) participated in this study. Physical exercise was assessed using the Physical Activity Rating Scale-3, while flourishing, rumination, and negative emotions were measured using the Flourishing Scale, Rumination Response Scale, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Data were analyzed using the SPSS PROCESS macro (Model 6) to examine a chain mediation model. Results: = -0.156). Three significant indirect pathways were identified: via flourishing (effect = -0.050; 34.48%), via rumination (effect = -0.050; 34.48%), and via the sequential pathway of flourishing and rumination (effect = -0.056; 38.62%). Discussion: These findings indicate that physical exercise is associated with negative emotions through its relationships with flourishing and rumination. Interventions targeting college students' mental health may consider the relevance of positive psychological functioning and cognitive patterns. Future research should adopt longitudinal or experimental designs to further examine these relationships.