Exploring how cognitive-behavioral physical activity links ruminative thinking and mental wellbeing in sports high school adolescents

Introduction: This study examined the associations among ruminative thinking style (RTS), subjective wellbeing (SWB), and cognitive-behavioral physical activity (CBPA) in a sample of 1,326 adolescents (aged 14-18) from sports high schools. Method: Using validated self-report measures, data were analyzed through bootstrapped mediation models. Results: RTS was negatively associated with SWB (beta = -0.1792, p < 0.001), while CBPA showed a partial mediating effect in this relationship (indirect beta = 0.0779, p < 0.001). Discussion: These results suggest that cognitive-behavioral orientations toward physical activity may buffer the negative impact of rumination on wellbeing. Consistent with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) principles, CBPA could provide adolescents with self-regulatory strategies that support mental health. However, the cross-sectional and self-report design, as well as the focus on sports high school students, limit causal inference and generalizability. Future longitudinal and cross-cultural studies are needed to confirm these findings. Overall, the study provides preliminary evidence that CBPA-informed approaches may hold promise for promoting adolescents' mental wellbeing.