The effect of family sports environment on physical exercise behavior of junior high school students—the chain mediating effect of perceived family support and self-efficacy

Aim: This investigation seeks to elucidate the mechanistic pathways through which perceived family support and self-efficacy mediate the relationship between the family sports environment and physical exercise behavior among junior high school students. Ultimately, this research aims to establish a robust theoretical foundation and offer practical insights to foster the cultivation of sustained physical activity habits, thereby enhancing the overall physical health and wellbeing of this demographic. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted on 729 junior high school students using validated scales, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was adopted to test the hypothesized chain mediation model, with Harman's single-factor test used to control common method bias. Results: (1) The family sports environment, perceived family support, and self-efficacy of junior high school students were all at a relatively low level, and their physical exercise behavior was generally poor, with significant demographic differences in all variables (gender, family structure, etc.). (2) There were significant positive correlations among the family sports environment, perceived family support, self-efficacy, and physical exercise behavior, and all three variables had a significant positive predictive effect on physical exercise behavior, with the family sports environment exerting the strongest effect. (3) For the overall sample, perceived family support and self-efficacy did not play a mediating or chain mediating role between the family sports environment and physical exercise behavior; the chain mediating path of "family sports environment → perceived family support → self-efficacy → physical exercise behavior" was only significant in nuclear families. Conclusion: This study reveals the internal mechanism and boundary conditions of the family sports environment influencing junior high school students' physical exercise behavior, and provides theoretical references and practical suggestions for families, schools and communities to jointly construct a sports support network and improve adolescents' physical exercise behavior.