Subjective Exercise Experience and Group Cohesion among Chinese Participating in Square Dance: A Moderated Mediation Model of Years of Participation and Gender

Abstract

(1) Background: This study aimed to explore the relationship between years of participation, subjective exercise experience, and group cohesion among gender-specific square dance practitioners. (2) Methods: The Subjective Exercise Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ) and Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) were used to evaluate Subjective Exercise Experience (SEE) and group cohesion (GC). An analysis was conducted on 130 Chinese (63 males and 67 females) using multiple group analysis within a structural equation model. (3) Results: (a) The positive aspects of Subjective Exercise Experience (SEE) and Positive Well-Being (PWB), had a strongly positive effect on GC in both groups. The negative aspects of SEE, Psychological Fatigue (PF), and Psychological Distress (PD), had negative effects on GC. (b) Only for the male group was there an indirect effect of participation years on the association between SEE and GC in the model (a × b = 0.062, 95% CI [0.001, 0.181]; standard error (SE) = 0.062, p = 0.048). (c) The significant differences between paths coefficients were noticed in the association of years of participation with SEE (t = −2.043) and GC (t = −1.962). (4) Conclusion: Based on these results, gender differences in terms of the partial mediating role of adherence in the relationship of SEE and GC were presented for future research, fitness popularization, and society.

Mechanisms connecting square dance to sleep quality among middle-aged and older Chinese females: serial mediation roles of social support and depressive symptoms

“…The prevalence of depressive symptoms in our study was 19.49%, which was much lower than the reported 38.37% among middle-aged and older Chinese women in a national study (39). This may be explained by the high social support level of participants who performed square dance Square dance has been shown to promote social integration by providing opportunities for participants to know more people and develop friendships, strengthening both objective and subjective social support (12). Social support is a well-demonstrated protective factor in reducing and preventing depressive symptoms, which has been widely and consistently reported in numerous studies (40).…”

“…Regarding mental benefits, both observational and interventional studies have demonstrated that square dance could significantly reduce depressive symptoms, improve quality of life, and promote subjective wellbeing (10,11). As for social benefits, square dance aligns with the Chinese collectivist culture and dramatically enhances social interaction (12), which helps alleviate social isolation and loneliness in the context of the rapidly aging population (13). Research indicated that square dance could significantly expand participants' social network, increase social support, foster self-actualization, improve intergenerational communication, and enhance family cohesion, contributing to a healthier social life (14,15).…”

The impact of square dancing on psychological well-being and life satisfaction among aging women

“…Based on this, Physical activity can be a tool and contributes significantly to promoting mental health in elderly adults 9 . Square dance is a popular, moderate-intensity sport that combines physical activity with social interaction and cultural expression 10 , and has been rapidly gaining popularity among middle-aged and elderly groups 11 . Participation in square dancing can effectively improve middle-aged and older adults' self-efficacy, social support, and positive psychological qualities 12 , making it probably an ideal intervention to address the negative impacts of the empty nest phenomenon.…”