The impact of sports participation on individuals’ subjective well-being: the mediating role of class identity and health

Abstract

Although studies have explored the relationship between physical activity and subjective well-being, exploration of the mechanisms underlying the effects of sports participation on subjective well-being remains limited. In the context of promoting the deep integration of national fitness and national health in China, we explore the patterns and differences in the effects of sports participation on the subjective well-being of different populations and explore the underlying mechanisms of the effects of sports participation on individual subjective well-being based on body and society theory. Using data from the China General Social Survey, this study used multiple linear regression models, propensity score matching methods, quantile regression and chain mediation models to explore the relationship between sport participation and subjective well-being, and further elaborated the mediating role of subjective class identity and health in it. The results of the study showed that sports participation significantly and positively affected individual subjective well-being. The results of quantile regression and heterogeneity tests showed that the effect of sports participation on individual subjective well-being showed a significant quantile effect and group heterogeneity. Sports participation had a more significant effect on the well-being of older adults. The results of the mediation effect test showed that sports participation increased subjective well-being by enhancing individuals’ subjective class identity and health, respectively, while subjective class identity and health had a significant chain mediation effect. Based on the findings of the study this paper provides some practical suggestions for improving the subjective well-being of residents, especially the elderly, which will provide some valuable references for the next studies on residents’ well-being and life satisfaction.