To clarify the pathways and effects of the behavioral inhibition and activation systems in the relationship between exercise participation and depressive symptoms among college students. A cross-sectional research design was employed to survey 2606 college students using physical activity questionnaires, the Behavioral Inhibition/Activation Systems Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Data were analyzed using methods including one-way ANOVA, independent sample t-tests, non-parametric tests, chi-square tests, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling. Depressive symptoms were significantly negatively correlated with exercise participation (r = - 0.107, P < 0.001), reward responsiveness (r = - 0.201, P < 0.001), drive (r = - 0.289, P < 0.001), and fun seeking (r = - 0.102, P < 0.001), and positively correlated with behavioral inhibition (r = 0.084, P < 0.001). Exercise participation was positively correlated with reward responsiveness (r = 0.067, P = 0.001), drive (r = 0.085, P < 0.001), and fun seeking (r = 0.063, P = 0.001). Exercise participation had a significant direct effect (B = - 0.079, 95% CI - 0.116 to - 0.043) and total effect (B = - 0.107, 95% CI - 0.148 to - 0.069) on depressive symptoms. The mediating effects of drive (B = - 0.028, 95% CI - 0.043 to - 0.016) and fun seeking (B = 0.005, 95% CI - 0.001 to 0.011) were significant. The more college students engage in exercise, the lower their depressive symptom scores. Drive and fun seeking mediate the relationship between college students' exercise participation and depressive symptoms. Encouraging exercise participation among college students and enhancing their sensitivity to behavioral activation strategies and reward information may have a significant role in preventing and alleviating depressive symptoms.
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