Research on the Mechanism of the Influence of College Students' Physical Exercise Behavior, Life Satisfaction, and Self-Efficacy

Background Health is an inevitable requirement for promoting the comprehensive development of individuals and an important condition for social and economic development.As the main body of the university,the physical and mental health of college students plays an irreplaceable role in their own development and social progress.College students are crucial participants in higher education and future social life, with research significantly influencing their self-efficacy. Methods This study, conducted with college students in Chengdu, China, employs the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method. It integrates various influencing factors, including demographic characteristics, physical exercise behavior, and life satisfaction, to construct an asymmetric causal model from the perspectives of physical exercise behavior and life satisfaction. Results The research findings align with the core principles of complexity theory, confirming the heterogeneity and complexity of the antecedent conditions for high self-efficacy among college students. Nineteen causal condition combinations capable of promoting high self-efficacy were identified. Conclusions This study offers exploratory insights into applying complexity theory analysis to the study of college students' physical exercise, life satisfaction, and self-efficacy. It also provides a decision-making reference path for enhancing college students' life satisfaction, physical exercise behavior, and self-efficacy.