The Effect of Sport Participation and Social Capital to The Subject's Well-Being

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates the relationship between sports participation and subjective well-being among Chinese residents, focusing on the chain mediating effect of social capital. The findings aim to provide theoretical references for enhancing subjective well-being in China.
Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1,182 Chinese residents using the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PASR-3), the Chinese Residents Subjective Well-being Scale (SWBS-CC20), and a Social Capital Survey. The data were analyzed to examine the relationships between sports participation, social capital, and subjective well-being. An intervention experiment was also conducted with 80 male college students aged 18-25 from Ankang College. The intervention evaluated the effect of sports participation on subjective well-being over eight weeks.
Results: (1) Sports participation, social capital, and subjective well-being showed significant correlations with each other. (2) Social capital was found to mediate the relationship between sports participation and subjective well-being, with the mediating pathway being statistically significant. (3) The eight-week sports intervention improved both social capital and subjective well-being in the experimental group, showing significant differences compared to the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Sports participation significantly enhances social capital and subjective well-being among Chinese residents. Social capital serves as an intermediary mechanism in this relationship. Moreover, a structured eight-week sports intervention effectively improves subjective well-being, highlighting the potential of sports participation as a viable approach to promoting mental and social health. This study underscores the importance of integrating sports into public health strategies to improve individual and societal well-being.