Physical Activity and Adolescents^ Learning Engagement: Parallel Mediation via Cognitive Reappraisal and Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction
SHIYIN ZHANG

The Open University of Ya^an

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between physical activity and learning engagement among 1,773 Chinese secondary school students, focusing on the parallel mediating roles of cognitive reappraisal (a positive emotion regulation strategy) and basic psychological needs satisfaction. Physical activity was operationalized as sports and fitness activities (e.g., running, badminton, basketball) conducted in either outdoor or indoor settings. Results showed that physical activity significantly and positively predicted learning engagement through two indirect pathways: via cognitive reappraisal (indirect effect = 0.04, 95% CI [0.03, 0.06]) and via basic psychological needs satisfaction (indirect effect = 0.16, 95% CI [0.12, 0.20]), with the direct effect being non-significant, indicating full mediation. These findings suggest that physical activity enhances adolescents^ cognitive reappraisal skills and satisfies their basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, thereby indirectly promoting learning engagement.

Keywords: physical activity- learning engagement- basic psychological needs satisfaction- cognitive reappraisal

Topic: Student Wellbeing (Mental Health and Student Counselling