data.xlsx

This dataset was collected through a cross-sectional online survey of 589 Chinese international students studying in nine countries and regions. The study explores the impact of physical activity on psychological wellbeing and study abroad satisfaction, with dual chain mediation and moderation models. Ten validated scales were adapted to measure physical activity level, social interaction competence, emotion regulation ability, positive coping strategies, body image satisfaction, cultural adaptation level, social support level, psychological wellbeing, study abroad satisfaction, and digital social media use. Structural equation modeling (SEM), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), bootstrapping, and PROCESS macro were applied to test mediation and moderation effects. Results show that physical activity significantly enhances psychological wellbeing both directly and indirectly through two chained mediation pathways, and psychological wellbeing strongly predicts study abroad satisfaction. Digital social media use moderates the positive effect of physical activity on psychological wellbeing. This dataset provides empirical evidence for understanding the psychosocial mechanisms of health behaviors among international students in cross-cultural contexts.