Reciprocal association between perceived social support and physical activity participation among college students: the mediating role of basic psychological needs

Purpose This study examined the mediating role of basic psychological needs (BPN) within the reciprocal associations between perceived social support (PSS) and physical activity (PA).Methods This secondary analysis used Spring 2023 ACHA-NCHA data (N = 78,024). Structural equation models tested two pathways: (1) PSS→BPN→PA and (2) PA→BPN→PSS.Results Both models showed a good fit (CFI = [0.984, 0.980], TLI = [0.972, 0.971], RMSEA = [0.023, 0.023], SRMR = [0.013, 0.014]). PSS showed a positive, nonsignificant association with MPA and MST in both directions, with small effect sizes (0.0002–0.006). The exploratory mediation analysis indicated that autonomy exhibited the strongest mediating role (PSS→PA: β = 0.101, p < 0.01; PA→PSS: β = 0.050, p < 0.01). MST showed the strongest indirect reciprocal associations with PSS through BPN, with effect sizes ranging from 0.008 to 0.059.Conclusion BPN modestly mediated the reciprocal associations between PSS and PA. Need-supportive strategies that foster autonomy may help promote both PA and PSS. Longitudinal studies using validated measures and integrated theoretical frameworks are needed.