Gender differences in the mediating effect of physical activity on the relationship between self-efficacy and subjective exercise experiences among Chinese college students: based on social cognitive theory

Chinese undergraduates exhibit notable gender differences in their subjective exercise experiences. These differences are closely linked to variations in their physical activity participation and self-efficacy beliefs. Despite growing research on the links between self-efficacy, physical activity, and subjective exercise experiences, few studies have systematically examined whether physical activity mediates the relationship between self-efficacy and subjective exercise experiences. Guided by social cognitive theory (SCT), this study aims to investigate the mediating effect of physical activity on the relationship between self-efficacy and subjective exercise experiences and further explore potential gender differences in this mediating mechanism among Chinese college students. This study conducted an online questionnaire survey among 1,674 college students ( n = 1,674; M = 19.15, SD = 1.23; 506 males and 1,186 females). Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed physical activity partially mediated the links between self-efficacy and positive well-being ( β = 0.10, p < 0.01), and self-efficacy and fatigue ( β = 0.13, p < 0.01), but not self-efficacy and psychological distress ( β = 0.04, p = 0.22). This study confirms physical activity partially mediates the link between self-efficacy and Chinese college students’ subjective exercise experiences (positive well-being, fatigue), with notable gender differences. These findings support gender-specific exercise interventions: enhancing self-efficacy to increase physical activity for males, and focusing on self-efficacy to reduce negative experiences for females.