Longitudinal Reciprocal Effects of Physical Exercise, Executive Function, and Subjective Well-Being: A Three-Wave Random-Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model in Chinese Minority College Students

Objective: This study investigates the longitudinal reciprocal relationships among physical exercise (PE), executive function (EF), and subjective well-being (SWB) in ethnic minority college students in China, with the aim of providing theoretical and practical guidance for their psychological and cognitive development. Method: A three-wave longitudinal design was employed over a nine-month period to collect data on PE, EF, and SWB from 482 ethnic minority college students in Shaanxi Province, China (M age = 20.3 years, 63% female). Data were analyzed using a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM), and multigroup analysis (MGA) was used to examine the moderating effects of gender, family ethnic composition, and residential area. Results: The study revealed significant positive correlations among PE, EF, and SWB at the between-person level. At the within-person level, the variables exhibited temporal stability, with earlier levels significantly predicting later levels, indicating cumulative effects. Key cross-lagged analyses unveiled significant dynamic reciprocal relationships among the three variables: earlier PE positively predicted subsequent EF and SWB, earlier EF positively predicted subsequent PE and SWB, and earlier SWB positively predicted subsequent EF. Importantly, these dynamic pathways and overall relationships were consistent across gender, family structure, and residential area, indicating robustness within the studied population. Conclusion: This study highlights the dynamic, reciprocal relationships among PE, EF, and SWB. Consequently, promoting physical activity and culturally sensitive interventions for ethnic minority college students is crucial for enhancing their psychological resilience and well-being. This research offers valuable insights for policymakers and educators.