Research on the Relationship Between College Students' Participation in Martial Arts and Their Mental Health

Does martial arts improve college students' mental health more than general sports? This study examines the nonlinear impact of martial arts intensity on mental health. A cross-sectional survey of 1,280 college students was conducted using the revised martial arts participation scale (including frequency, duration, difficulty, and years) and mental health scales (SCL-90, SAS, SDS). A partial least squares structural equation model analyzed the nonlinear relationship, and the bootstrap method tested mediating effects of self-efficacy and social connection. The latent variable growth curve model assessed the long-term impact of exercise trajectory, and heart rate variability verified the physiological mechanism. Results show that the SCL-90 positive detection rate in the martial arts group was 13.5%, with significantly lower anxiety (45.8±6.5) and depression scores (44.6±5.8) compared to basketball, football, sprinting, and badminton, highlighting the synergistic benefits of martial arts on physical and mental health.