Exercise self‐efficacy and aggressive behavior in college students: Interpersonal trust and prosocial behavior as chain mediators

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between exercise self‐efficacy and aggressive behavior in college students, with interpersonal trust and prosocial behavior as mediators. We conducted a survey of 1,571 college students. The results were as follows: (a) exercise self‐efficacy was significantly and negatively related to aggression, and the direct path of exercise self‐efficacy to aggressive behavior was significant; (b) exercise self‐efficacy positively predicted interpersonal trust and prosocial behavior, while interpersonal trust significantly and positively predicted prosocial behavior, and prosocial behavior significantly predicted aggressive behavior; and (c) interpersonal trust and prosocial behavior played a significant mediating role in the relationship between exercise self‐efficacy and aggressive behavior. These findings have important practical significance as guidance for reducing aggressive behavior in college students.