Social support and anxiety, a moderated mediating model

Abstract

This study aims to explore the relationship between social support and anxiety among college students, as well as the mediating role of resilience and the moderating effect of physical exercise. A questionnaire survey was conducted to measure levels of social support, resilience, physical exercise, and anxiety among 1097 college students from two universities in Hunan Province. A total of 997 valid questionnaires were collected, with 562 from male students and 435 from female students. Statistical analysis revealed that social support significantly negatively predicts anxiety, with family support being the most prominent. Additionally, the impact of social support on anxiety is moderated by physical exercise. Resilience plays a significant mediating role between social support and anxiety. Enhancing resilience through physical exercise can help prevent anxiety-related behaviors among college students and improve their overall mental health.