ArticlePloS one2025
A study on the relationship between college students' physical exercise and feelings of inferiority: The mediating effect of social support.
Article in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Physical literacy, sense of belonging in the sports environment, and college students' mental health: an analysis of relational paths based on differences in exercise groups.Frontiers in psychology · 2026Article
- Social appearance anxiety and aggressive behavior in children with dentofacial deformities: a mediation and profile analysis of family support and self-stigma.Frontiers in public health · 2026Article
- Article
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
objectiveThis study explores the relationships among physical exercise, social support, and feelings of inferiority among college students, with a particular focus on the mediating role of social support. Using a sample of Chinese college students, the results demonstrate that physical exercise significantly reduces feelings of inferiority, both directly and indirectly through enhanced social support.
methodPearson correlation analysis confirmed the positive correlation between physical exercise and social support, while also showing that both physical exercise and social support negatively correlate with feelings of inferiority. Structural equation modeling further supported the hypothesized relationships, revealing that the mediation pathway through social support accounted for 51.95% of the total effect. Additionally, multi-group invariance testing indicated that these relationships were consistent across genders, underscoring the universal applicability of the model.
resultsThe findings highlight the dual pathways through which physical exercise alleviates feelings of inferiority: by fostering personal competence and enhancing social resources.
conclusionThis study emphasizes the importance of integrating physical exercise and social support, providing evidence-based intervention recommendations for improving students' mental health. By validating the dual-pathway model, the research offers theoretical support and practical significance for promoting students' mental health through physical exercise and social support.
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Registered trials
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