The Mediating Role of Psychological Distress & Flexibility in Connecting Physical Activity, Physical Appearance and Life Satisfaction

Abstract

This study examines the complex relationships between physical activity, physical appearance, and life satisfaction, with particular focus upon the mediating roles of psychological flexibility and psychological distress. In this linking, drawing on theories of well-being, self-perception, and mental health, the research aims to determine that how psychological factors influence the pathways linking physical and appearance-related attributes to subjective well-being. The data were collected through the structured survey administered to diverse sample, thus capturing participants’ physical activity, self-perceived physical appearance, psychological flexibility, psychological distress, and life satisfaction. Statistical analyses, including mediation modeling, were employed to examine direct and indirect effects. The findings reveal that while physical activity and a positive physical appearance directly contribute to greater life satisfaction, these relationships are influenced significantly by facilitators in linking the predicting and criterion variables of study in order to extract innovative information that may help in contributing the existing knowledge. The results provide significant information in reaching the conclusion and making the decision about the hypotheses. The psychological distress emerged as a negative mediator, weakening the positive effects of physical activity and physical appearance on life satisfaction. In contrast, psychological flexibility acted as a positive mediator, enabling individuals to derive greater life satisfaction from their physical attributes and activities by fostering resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. The dual mediation model underscores the importance of addressing protective and risk psychological factors when promoting well-being. This study contributes to the literature by integrating physical, psychological, and perceptual elements into the unified model of life satisfaction, offering valuable insights for mental health professionals, educators, fitness practitioners, and policymakers in designing holistic interventions that promote both physical health and psychological resilience. Thus, some recommendations have been offered as extracted from findings to policy-makers and future research to revisit these variables from different perspectives.