Does physical activity influence health behavior, mental health, and psychological resilience under the moderating role of quality of life?

Background: Physical activity (PA) significantly influences health-related behaviors and both physical and mental well-being. Prior work links PA to better health behavior (HeB), mental health (MeH), and psychological resilience (PsR). Objectives: To examine the influence of PA on HeB, MeH, and PsR and test the moderating role of quality of life (QoL). Method: A cross-sectional online survey (April 15, 2023–October 15, 2023) using convenience sampling targeted adults (≥21 years) who were physically active to improve health and well-being. Over 1,000 responses were received; 743 were retained after quality checks. Data were analyzed using SPSS-25 and PLS-SEM in SmartPLS 4.0. Results: SEM (Model 1, direct effects) showed positive effects of PA on HeB, MeH, and PsR; HeB positively affected MeH and PsR; MeH positively affected PsR. In Model 2 (with QoL moderation), four of six moderation paths were significant and two were not. Conclusion: QoL moderates several relationships among PA, HeB, MeH, and PsR. Sustained engagement in PA is important to foster a balanced, health-conscious lifestyle.

Ru Liu, Rashid Menhas, Zulkaif Ahmed Saqib