Physical activity contributes to improving the mental health and well-being of college students, but the mechanisms through which it influences life satisfaction remain unclear. Guided by the Stress-Coping Model, this study examines the independent and chain mediating roles of psychological capital and perceived stress in this relationship. Data were collected from 921 college students using standardized scales measuring physical activity, psychological capital, perceived stress, and life satisfaction. Subsequently, we proposed a chain mediation model and validated it. The findings indicate that physical activity positively predicts life satisfaction. Psychological capital and perceived stress function as independent mediators and also form a chain mediating pathway in this relationship. This study uncovers the psychological pathways linking physical activity and life satisfaction, suggesting that universities may enhance students’ life satisfaction through physical activity and psychological interventions.
Zhang et al. (Wed,) studied this question.