Background/Objectives: In an effort to clarify the mechanisms underlying the relationship between physical activity (PA) and mental well-being, emerging evidence points to a potentially important role of beliefs about PA’s impact on mental health. Nevertheless, research in this area remains scarce. This cross-sectional study examined whether belief in the mental health benefits of PA mediates the relationship between PA level and mental well-being among university students. Methods: A total of 339 university students, aged 18–28, completed the Godin–Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, and a newly developed Belief in the Mental Health Benefits of Physical Activity Scale. Results: Structural equation modelling indicated a non-significant direct effect of PA level on mental well-being. However, a significant indirect effect was observed, with higher PA level being associated with stronger belief in the mental health benefits of one’s own PA, which in turn was related to better mental well-being. Conclusions: The findings suggest that PA level is indirectly associated with mental well-being through belief in the mental health benefits of PA among university students. These findings highlight the potential importance of PA-related beliefs in mental health promotion and point to indirect psychological pathways that may link PA and mental well-being, warranting further longitudinal examination.
Glavas et al. (Mon,) studied this question.