The mediation of resilience between physical activity, parenting style, and social anxiety among Chinese adolescents: evidence from a structural equation model

BackgroundAdolescent social anxiety is a common mental health problem. Although physical activity and parenting style have both been linked to anxiety, their joint associations with social anxiety and the mediating role of resilience remain unclear. This study tested an integrated model of physical activity, parenting style, resilience, and social anxiety in Chinese adolescents.MethodsA total of 1,094 adolescents completed measures of physical activity, parenting style, resilience, and social anxiety. Structural equation modelling was used to examine direct and indirect associations among these variables, with resilience specified as a mediator.ResultsPhysical activity and parental emotional warmth were positively associated with resilience and negatively associated with social anxiety. Parental rejection was positively associated with social anxiety but was not significantly related to resilience. Parental overprotection was positively associated with resilience, whereas its direct association with social anxiety was not significant. Resilience was negatively associated with social anxiety and significantly mediated the effects of physical activity, emotional warmth, and overprotection on social anxiety.ConclusionAdolescent social anxiety appears to be shaped by both behavioural and family factors, with resilience serving as an important psychological mechanism. These findings support integrated interventions that combine physical activity promotion, supportive parenting, and resilience enhancement.