Empathy and Physical Fitness: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Chinese College Freshmen

Background: College freshmen often face challenges in adapting to new academic and social environments, increasing their risk of physical and mental health issues. Empathy, particularly cognitive and emotional components, may influence physical fitness. This study investigates the associations between cognitive and emotional empathy and physical fitness. Methods: A stratified random sample of 3,667 college freshmen (1,588 males; 2,079 females; mean age = 18.40 years, SD = 1.88) from Jiangsu Province, China, was assessed. Empathy was measured using the Interpersonal Response Index, and physical fitness was evaluated via the Chinese National Student Physical Fitness Standards, including metrics such as body mass index, lung capacity, and various physical performance tests. Associations were analysed using Pearson correlation and multivariate linear regression, controlling for age, family structure, place of origin, and academic major. Results: Significant differences in empathy and physical fitness measures were observed by gender, family structure, origin, and major. High cognitive empathy (β = 0.060, 95% CI: 0.016, 0.230) and low self-focused emotional empathy (β =-0.086, 95% CI:-0.270,-0.073) were linked to better physical fitness in males. In females, low self-focused emotional empathy (β =-0.086, 95% CI:-0.250,-0.081) was significant, with higher cognitive empathy showing stronger associations with fitness. Other-oriented emotional empathy showed no significant correlations with fitness in either gender. Conclusion: Cognitive empathy is positively associated with physical fitness among college freshmen, while self-focused emotional empathy may have negative effects. These findings highlight the potential of empathy-based interventions to improve physical fitness, with consideration for gender-specific strategies.