Relationship between trait mindfulness and physical activity among emerging adults: The mediating roles of exercise-related cognitive errors and trait self-control

Objective: Exercise-related cognitive errors (ECEs) is a significant factor that can negatively influence physical activity (PA) engagement among emerging adults, whereas mindfulness interventions may be beneficial for promoting PA. Against this background, we investigated the potential association between trait mindfulness and PA levels among emerging adults and determined whether trait self-control and ECEs serve as mediators. Method: 328 Chinese participants (61.3 % female, mean age = 20.65, SD = 2.21) completed a series of questionnaires, including demographics, the Five Dimension Mindfulness Questionnaire short form (FFMQ-SF), the Exercise Cognitive Bias Questionnaire (E-CEQ), the Brief Self Control Scale (BSCS), and the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). A structural equation model was used to investigate the potential relationships between trait mindfulness and PA levels, considering trait self-control and ECEs as mediators. Results: Trait self-control (Indirect 1; B = 0.09, 95%CI: 0.04, 0.16) and ECEs (Indirect 3; B = 0.02, 95%CI: 0.00, 0.04) mediates the relationship between trait mindfulness and PA levels, respectively, when considered as independent mediators. In addition, also in a dual-mediation model ECEs and trait self-control (Indirect 2; B = 0.02, 95%CI [0.00, 0.06]) mediate the relationship between trait mindfulness and PA. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that trait self-control and ECEs are mediators of the relationship between trait mindfulness and PA levels, providing a new direction for further research aiming to reduce ECEs and improve PA levels among emerging adults.