The Relationship between Self-Concept and Negative Emotion: A Moderated Mediation Model

Qinfei Zhang, Lvqing Miao, Lichun He () and Huarong Wang
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Qinfei Zhang: Department of Psychology, Institute of Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
Lvqing Miao: Department of Psychology, Institute of Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
Lichun He: Department of Psychology, Institute of Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
Huarong Wang: Department of Psychology, Institute of Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 16, 1-10

Abstract: Background: Emotional problems such as depression and anxiety are very serious among college students, especially during the COVID-2019 pandemic. The present study aimed to explore the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between self-concept and negative emotion, and the moderating role of exercise intensity in the direct and indirect effect of self-concept on negative emotion among college students. Methods: A total of 739 Chinese college students aged between 18 and 25 years (M = 20.13; SD = 1.67) were selected to complete the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS), the Depression Anxiety Stress Self Rating Scale, the Adolescent Psychological Resilience Scale, and the Physical Exercise Scale (PARS-3) to assess self-concept, negative emotions, psychological resilience, and exercise intensity, respectively. Hayes’ PROCESS macro for SPSS was used to test the relationships among these variables. Results: Self-concept was negatively correlated with negative emotions; psychological resilience partially mediated the association between self-concept and negative emotions; exercise intensity moderated the effect of self-concept on negative emotions, and college students with low intensity physical activity would strengthening the association between self-concept and psychological resilience, psychological resilience, and negative emotions. Conclusions: Psychological resilience is a critical mediating mechanism through which self-concept is associated with negative emotions among college students, and exercise intensity plays a role as a moderating variable in the direct and indirect influence of self-concept on negative emotions. Implications for preventing or reducing negative emotions are discussed.

Keywords: self-concept; negative emotion; psychological resilience; exercise intensity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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