The Pathway Relationship Between Physical Activity Levels and Depressive Symptoms in University Students Mediated by Cognitive Flexibility

Objective To explore the mediating pathway of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms among university students. Methods A cross-sectional design was used to survey 2,537 university students using the Physical Activity Rating Scale-3, Patients′ Health Questionnaire, and Cognitive Flexibility Inventory. Data analysis was conducted using independent samples t-test, chi-square test, correlation analysis, one-way ANOVA, and mediation analysis. Results There was a significant negative correlation between physical activity levels and depressive symptoms scores (r = 0.063, P < 0.059), a significant positive correlation between physical activity levels and controllability scores (r = 0.064, P < 0.05), and a significant negative correlation between depressive symptoms and controllability scores (r=-0.367, P < 0.01). The total effect of physical activity intensity on depressive symptoms was − 0.3542, 95% CI: -0.5439~-0.1645, the direct effect of physical activity intensity on depressive symptoms was − 0.3542, 95% CI: -0.5439~-0.1645, and the mediating effect of controllability was − 0.1343, 95% CI: -0.2145~-0.0630. Conclusion The more physical activity university students engage in, the lower their depressive symptoms scores. Controllability mediates the relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms in university students.