The impact of parental psychological control on adolescents’ physical activity: the mediating role of self-control and the moderating role of psychological capital

Abstract

Objective: Insufficient physical activity poses a significant threat to adolescent health. Parental psychological control, as a typical negative parenting style, exerts profound influences on health-related behaviors among adolescents. This study aims to identify and elucidate the specific mechanisms through which parental psychological control impacts adolescent physical activity. Furthermore, it explores the roles of self-control ability and psychological capital in mediating the relationship between parenting styles and adolescent physical activity. The findings of this research seek to provide guidance for family education practices. Methods: A survey was conducted on 1,010 students from the first year of junior high school to the second year of senior high school to assess parental psychological control, physical activity, self-control, and psychological capital. Data analysis and model validation were performed using SPSS 26 and AMOS 24. Results: A significant negative correlation was found between parental psychological control and adolescents’ physical activity levels. Self-control was observed to partially mediate this relationship, while psychological capital played a negative moderating role in the adverse impact of parental psychological control on adolescents’ physical activity. Conclusion: Parental psychological control had a negative impact on the level of physical activity among adolescents. Enhancing adolescents’ self-control and psychological capital could serve as potential strategies to mitigate this negative effect, encouraging adolescents to actively engage in physical activities. This paper provided a new theoretical perspective and practical basis for improving family education methods and promoting positive health-enhancing behaviors among adolescents.