Physical Activity, Individual Emotions, and Prosocial Attitudes: the Role Of Citizen Identity

Abstract

Using data from 10,154 participants in the Chinese General Social Survey, we examined the effect of physical activity on emotions and prosocial attitudes, and the moderating effect of citizen identity on the positive effect of physical activity. The findings showed that physical activity was positively related to happiness and social trust perception, and negatively related to depression. This study further found that the effects of physical activity on improving happiness and social trust and decreasing depression were stronger among urban compared to rural participants. We discuss conclusions and implications for practice.