Physical activity and depression: A chain mediation model

In recent years the detection rate of depression among Chinese college students has increased significantly. We explored the relationship between physical activity and depression in this population, as well as the mediating role of interpersonal relationship difficulties and subjective well-being. We used stratified cluster random sampling to recruit a sample of 1,605 college students. The results showed that physical activity was positively correlated with depression, and that interpersonal relationship difficulties and subjective wellbeing had both independent and chain mediating effects on this link. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for designing interventions to treat depression in college students.