The relationship between physical exercise and academic burnout in adolescents: the chain-mediated role of internet addiction and self-control

Background Academic burnout represents a pressing issue among adolescents in China and has garnered increasing attention from scholars in the sport science domain. This study aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms linking physical exercise, internet addiction, self-control, and academic burnout, drawing on empirical survey data collected from adolescents in Shaanxi Province, China. Methods This study employed a cross-sectional survey design, utilizing the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), Chinese Internet Addiction Test (TAT), Self-Control Scale (SCS), and Academic Burnout Inventory (ABI) to collect data from 1,948 adolescents in Shaanxi Province (Mage = 13.74, SD = 1.37). Through descriptive analysis, we conducted statistical analyses on demographic variables. Utilizing Pearson correlation analysis, regression analysis, and chain mediation analysis, we constructed a relational model among variables. Results The findings revealed significant pairwise correlations among Physical Exercise, Self-Control, Internet Addiction, and adolescent Academic Burnout. Specifically: Physical Exercise positively predicted Self-Control but negatively predicted Internet Addiction and Academic Burnout. Self-Control negatively predicted Internet Addiction and Academic Burnout. Internet Addiction positively predicted Academic Burnout. Conclusion Self-Control and Internet Addiction independently mediated the relationship between Physical Exercise and adolescent Academic Burnout. Additionally, Self-Control and Internet Addiction jointly acted as chain mediators in this relationship.