Chain-mediated effects of multiple factors in physical activity on self-rated health among sedentary college students

Sedentary behavior (SB) may lead not only to reduced athletic performance but also to impaired self-rated health (SRH) in college students. Although the beneficial effects of physical activity (PA) on SRH have been demonstrated, the intrinsic factors contributing to PA remain to be elucidated. This study examined physical activity atmosphere (PAA), physical activity capability (PAC), physical activity motivation (PAM), and physical activity behavior (PAB), and analyzed their effect sizes and pathways in relation to SRH among sedentary college students. A total of 966 university students (F = 387, M = 579; mean age = 20.36 ± 1.78 years) were selected from eight colleges and universities in Beijing and cross-sectionally assessed using the Self-Rated Health Measurement Scale (SRHMS), the Self-Description Questionnaire (SDQ), the Behavioral Regulation in Physical Education Questionnaire (BRPEQ), and the Physical Activity Atmosphere Questionnaire (PAAQ). Correlation, mediation, and effect size analyses were performed using Pearson correlation, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), and Bootstrap methods. Correlation results showed significant positive correlations for all indicators of PAA, PAB, PAC, PAM, and SRH. The SEM results showed that the following pathways existed in this study: with PAC as the independent variable, PAC→PAB (Effect size = 0.584), PAC→SRH (Effect size = 0.142), PAC→PAM (Effect size = 0.628), PAC→PAB→SRH (Effect size = 0.237), PAC→PAM→PAB→SRH (Effect size = 0.184). When PAA is the independent variable, only one direction exists: PAA→PAM (Effect size = 0.497). With PAM as the independent variable, PAM→PAB (Effect size = 0.294). With PAB as the independent variable, PAB→SRH (Effect size = 0.375). Meanwhile, the model fit indices were: χ2/df = 4.218, p < 0.001, GFI = 0.908, NFI = 0.936, CFI = 0.912, IFI = 0.968, RFI = 0.936, TLI = 0.964, RMSEA = 0.911. (1) PAC has a positive and direct association with SRH in sedentary students; thus, creating a better exercise environment may help college students reduce sedentariness and improve SRH. (2) PAM and PAB exert positive mediating effects on SRH, suggesting that enhancing both will strengthen the mediating effect of PAC on SRH. (3) Promoting SRH among sedentary students requires addressing both motivational and environmental factors. Schools should provide optimal sporting environments to stimulate students’ motivation, behavior, and capability in PA, thereby reducing SB and improving mental health.