The prediction role of perfectionism on exercise addiction in college students: chain-mediated effects of self-esteem and social anxiety

Objective This study aimed to test a chain mediation model examining whether self-esteem and social anxiety chain mediate the relationship between perfectionism and exercise addiction risk among Chinese college students. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, 1,823 college students (45.75% male, 54.25% female) from 15 provinces in China were recruited via convenience sampling. Standardized scales were used to measure perfectionism, self-esteem, social anxiety, and the risk of exercise addiction. Statistical methods, including the Bootstrap approach, were employed to examine the mediating effects and analyze the relationships among variables. Results Perfectionism was positively associated with exercise addiction risk ( β = 0.56, p < 0.001). It was also linked to exercise addiction through three indirect paths: (1) the independent mediating path via self-esteem ( β = 0.03, p < 0.001); (2) the independent mediating path via social anxiety ( β = 0.02, p < 0.001); and (3) the chain mediating path via self-esteem and then social anxiety ( β = 0.01, p < 0.001). The total indirect effect was 0.06, accounting for 42.86% of the total effect. Conclusion This study suggests that among college students, perfectionism is not only directly associated with a higher risk of exercise addiction but may also increase risk indirectly through the independent and sequential roles of low self-esteem and high social anxiety. These findings provide a preliminary basis for understanding the psychological mechanisms of exercise addiction. Future longitudinal studies are needed to further clarify the temporal and causal relationships among these variables.