Physical exercise and suicide risk: Anxiety as a mediator and self-control as a moderator

Suicide has become a leading cause of death among college students worldwide; therefore, identifying modifiable protective factors is critical for developing interventions to reduce suicide risk. This study examined the effects of physical exercise on college students’ suicide risk, incorporating anxiety as a mediator and self-control as a moderator. Participants (N = 482 university students in China) completed the Physical Exercise Rating Scale, the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire–Revised, the Generalized Anxiety Scale, and the Self-Control Scale. The results indicated that there was a negative relationship between physical exercise and suicide risk, with anxiety acting as a significant mediator. Further, high self-control enhanced the negative relationship between physical exercise and suicide risk, reducing the positive relationship between anxiety and suicide risk. Therefore, regular physical exercise and a higher level of self-control may reduce suicide risk among college students.