The Effect of Physical Exercise on Subjective Wellbeing and the Moderating Role of Education: Based on the 2021 CGSS

Objectives: To explore the mechanism of physical exercise on the subjective well-being of Chinese residents and its moderating effect on educational attainment. Methods: The 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) data was used for the survey. Results: (1) Physical exercise has a significant positive impact on subjective well-being, and the results are still robust after controlling for other variables (t = 5.419, p < 0.01). (2) Health level has a significant mediating effect (t = -2.367, p < 0.01) and (3) educational attainment also has a significant moderating effect (t = -3.052, p < 0.01) on the relationship between physical exercise and subjective well-being. Conclusions: This survey builds on previous research and considers the need for specific strategies for education and health inequalities. It finds that physical exercise helps enhance subjective well-being, but the degree varies depending on the level of education. Thus, encouraging people with high education to actively cultivate the habit of exercising can help effectively improve their subjective well-being.