The Role of Square Dancing in Psychological Capital: Evidence from a Large Cross-Sequential Study

Abstract

(1) Background: Rapid population aging in China intensifies physical and mental health challenges, including negative emotions and social barriers. Physical activity (PA) fosters resilience, adaptability, and successful aging through emotional and social benefits. This study examines the relationship between square-dancing exercise and psychological capital (PsyCap) in middle-aged and elderly individuals using cross-validation, subgroup analysis, and a cross-sequential design. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study with 5714 participants employed a serial mediation model. Online questionnaires assessed square-dancing exercise, cognitive reappraisal, prosocial behavior tendencies, PsyCap, and interpersonal relationships. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 27.0 and Mplus 8.3, incorporating correlation analysis, structural equation modeling, and subgroup comparisons. (3) Results: (a) Cognitive reappraisal and prosocial behavior mediated the link between square-dancing and PsyCap through three pathways; (b) model stability was confirmed across two random subsamples; (c) cross-group differences emerged in age and interpersonal relationships. Compared with secondary data, this study further validated PsyCap's stability over six months post-pandemic. (4) Conclusions: The study, based on China's largest square-dancing sample, establishes a robust serial mediation model. The findings strengthen theoretical foundations for PA-based interventions promoting psychological resilience in aging populations, highlighting structured exercise's role in mental and social well-being.

Keywords: cognitive reappraisal; cross-sequential study; middle-aged and older adults; prosocial behavior tendency; psychological capital (PsyCap); square-dancing.

Figure 1

Flowchart of the present study design. Notes: The secondary data used in this study were obtained from a previous study [40].

Figure 2

Hypothetical path model of this study (N = 4973). Notes: *** p < 0.001; the data are standardized path coefficients.

Figure 3

Cross-validation model. (a) Model for subsample 1; (b) Model of subsample 2. Notes: *** p < 0.001, ** p = 0.009, * p = 0.01; The data are standardized path coefficients.

Figure 4

Research categorized model. (a) Model for middle-aged adults; (b) Model for older adults. Notes: *** p < 0.001; the data are standardized path coefficients.

Figure 5

Research-categorized model. (a) Model for high-income; (b) Model for low-income. Notes: * p = 0.014, ** p = 0.007, *** p < 0.001; the data are standardized path coefficients.

Figure 6

Research-categorized model. (a) Model for no distress; (b) Model for distress. Notes: ** p = 0.001, *** p < 0.001; the data are standardized path coefficients.