Associations between parenting dimensions and physical activity levels among Chinese adolescents: psychological capital as a mediator

Insufficient physical activity among adolescents is a major public health concern worldwide. This study surveyed 524 Chinese adolescents to examine whether paternal and maternal parenting dimensions were associated with physical activity levels and whether psychological capital mediated these associations. Structural equation modeling was conducted separately for paternal and maternal parenting dimensions. The results showed that, in both models, emotional warmth was positively associated with adolescents’ physical activity levels, both directly and indirectly through higher psychological capital. In contrast, rejection and overprotection were negatively associated with physical activity levels, both directly and indirectly through lower psychological capital. These findings highlight the importance of supportive family emotional climates and adolescents’ internal psychological resources in promoting physical activity. Interventions aimed at adolescent physical activity levels should focus on emotional nurturing and psychological support within the family environment, rather than just material or logistical factors. Such efforts may play a crucial role in fostering healthy exercise habits and supporting adolescents’ overall development.