Data Sheet 1_The association between sports participation and fertility intentions among Chinese youth: an empirical study based on the China family panel studies.pdf

Mediation analysis revealed that the total indirect effect of life satisfaction and future confidence was 0.015 (95% CI = [0.009, 0.020]). Specifically, the independent indirect effect of life satisfaction was 0.007 (95% CI = [0.003, 0.011]), and the independent indirect effect of future confidence was 0.005 (95% CI = [0.003, 0.007]). Furthermore, the chain mediating effect of life satisfaction and future confidence was 0.003 (95% CI = [0.001, 0.005]).</p>Conclusion<p>Sports participation, as a positive health-related behavior, was not only directly associated with stronger fertility intentions among young adults but was also indirectly associated with fertility intentions through the independent and serial pathways involving life satisfaction and confidence in the future.

These findings suggest that public sports participation and psychological well-being promotion may be considered within a broader framework of reproductive health and family-support policies. Integrating such approaches with efforts to support young adults’ physical and psychological well-being and positive expectations for the future may contribute to a more supportive social environment for family formation.</p>