The reciprocal relationship between physical activity and prosocial behavior among rural left-behind children: a cross-lagged mediation analysis of psychological resilience.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Although physical activity benefits youth development, little is known about how it is related to prosocial behavior over time, especially among structurally disadvantaged groups such as rural left-behind children in China. This longitudinal study examined the bidirectional relationship between physical activity and prosocial behavior and the mediating role of psychological resilience.

Methods

A total of 612 children (Grades 5-6; approximately 10-12 years old; 50.5% male) from three schools in Ji'an City, Jiangxi Province, completed measures of physical activity, psychological resilience, and prosocial behavior at three time points over 6 months.

Results

Crosslagged mediation structural equation modeling revealed reciprocal pathways: Time 1 physical activ

SUBMITTER: Huang D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12708260 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature