Supplementary file 1_The reciprocal relationship between physical activity and prosocial behavior among rural left-behind children: a cross-lagged mediation analysis of psychological resilience.docx

IntroductionAlthough physical activity benefits youth development, little is known about how it is related to prosocial behavior over time, especially among structurally disadvantaged groups such as rural left-behind children in China. This longitudinal study examined the bidirectional relationship between physical activity and prosocial behavior and the mediating role of psychological resilience.
MethodsA total of 612 children (Grades 5–6; approximately 10–12 years old; 50.5% male) from three schools in Ji’an City, Jiangxi Province, completed measures of physical activity, psychological resilience, and prosocial behavior at three time points over 6 months.
ResultsCrosslagged mediation structural equation modeling revealed reciprocal pathways: Time 1 physical activity was related to Time 3 prosocial behavior, and vice versa. In both directions, psychological resilience at Time 2 significantly mediated these associations (indirect effects = 0.07 and 0.04, respectively; ps < 0.001). These findings underscore psychological resilience as a key developmental mechanism linking physical and social functioning.
DiscussionThe results highlight the potential for integrated school-based interventions that promote physical activity to enhance psychological resilience and social functioning in vulnerable youth populations, particularly rural left-behind children.