Mediating Role of Self-Esteem in Activity Participants’ Passion for Exercise and Psychological Well-Being by Jogging in Fu Jen Catholic University

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This study investigated the relationship between passion for exercise, self-esteem, and well-being of participants of jogging activities. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between passion for exercise, self-esteem, and psychological well-being of participants with different backgrounds and determine whether self-esteem affects the relationship between participants’ passion for exercise and well-being. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 344 valid questionnaires were employed, which included 164 males and 180 females of the jogging activities held by Fu Jen Catholic University. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson product-difference correlation, regression, and other statistical methods were performed on the questionnaire to test the correlation between variables. Findings: (1) Different sexes had differences in obsessive passion, (2) different jogging groups had differences in obsessive passion, (3) different grades had differences in negative self-esteem, (4) different ages had harmonious passion, and there were differences in positive self-esteem, (5) the frequency of exercising with peers exhibited differences in psychological well-being and positive self-esteem, (6) there was a correlation between passion, psychological well-being, and self-esteem, and (7) positive self-esteem had a mediating effect on harmonious passion and psychological well-being. Conclusions: Participants of jogging activities are willing to spend time and effort in jogging activities, participate with an open and flexible attitude, and enjoy the process, thus improving positive self-evaluation and achieving a satisfied self-feel. Originality/value: There is less research on the relationship between passion and self-esteem in Taiwan. In addition, the authors not only found the relationship between passion, self-esteem, and psychological well-being from the data, but also found that self-esteem has a mediating effect on the relationship between passion and psychological well-being. Therefore, when organizing similar activities in the future, in addition to using attractive conditions that are more favorable to the participants, attention should be given to conditions that can enhance the self-worth of participants and increase the motivation and number of participants. In addition, participants performing activities with their peers will have more positive self-evaluations and feelings and happier and more satisfied.