The effects of cumulative ecological risk on college students’ exercise adherence: mediated by exercise motivation and atmosphere
Download this article Li Yaming * and Jamalsafri Bin Saibon **
(*) Universiti Sains Malaysia; Zunyi Vocational and Technical University
(**) Universiti Sains Malaysia
Citation
Yaming, L., Bin Saibon, J. (2025). The effects of cumulative ecological risk on college students’ exercise adherence: mediated by exercise motivation and atmosphere. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 56(2), 119-135. doi:10.7352/IJSP.2025.56.119
Abstract
This study will explore the effects of cumulative ecological risk on college students’ exercise adherence and analyze the mediating effects of exercise motivation and atmosphere. The purpose is to provide a theoretical basis for more college students to persist in participating in sports and to help them develop a healthy lifestyle. The [Cumulative Ecological Risk Scale], [College Students’ Exercise Adherence Scale], [College Students’ Exercise Motivation Scale], and [College Students’ Exercise Atmosphere Scale] adapted from the mature scale were used to survey 919 college students from six colleges and universities in Guizhou Province. The collected data were analyzed by using the correlation analysis method, the multiple regression analysis method, and the Bootstrap test method. The results showed that there were significant correlations among the four components of cumulative ecological risk, exercise motivation, exercise atmosphere, and college students’ exercise adherence (P<0.01); multiple regression analysis showed that cumulative ecological risk could significantly negatively predict college students’ exercise adherence (β=-0.692; P<0.01); significantly negatively predict exercise motivation (β=-0.179; P<0.01); and could significantly negatively predict exercise atmosphere (β=-0.289; P<0.01); and both exercise motivation and exercise atmosphere positively and significantly predicted college student exercise adherence (β=0.387, 0.193; P<0.01). The results of the Bootstrap test method showed that cumulative ecological risk significantly and negatively predicted college student exercise adherence with a direct effect of -0.629, with a direct effect of 83.4%; cumulative ecological risk can indirectly affect college students’ exercise adherence through exercise motivation and exercise atmosphere, with a total indirect effect of -0.175, with an indirect effect of 19.5%. It is concluded that cumulative ecological risk can directly or indirectly affect college students’ exercise adherence through exercise motivation and exercise atmosphere. Focusing on improving college students’ exercise motivation and creating a positive exercise atmosphere can promote college students’ adherence to exercise and form regular exercise habits and healthy lifestyles.
Keywords: Cumulative ecological risk; Exercise motivation; Exercise atmosphere; exercise adherence