Objective: This study explores the influence of physical exercise on self-efficacy in adolescents, focusing on the mediating role of psychological resilience. By analyzing direct and indirect pathways, the study provides insights into the psychological mechanisms linking physical activity and self-efficacy. Method: Data were collected from 1,613 adolescent participants across 15 provinces in China using validated questionnaires to measure physical exercise, psychological resilience, and self-efficacy. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test direct and mediated effects, while multi-group invariance testing examined gender differences. Results: Physical exercise significantly predicts both psychological resilience (β = 0.410, p < 0.001) and self-efficacy (β = 0.220, p < 0.001). Psychological resilience positively predicts self-efficacy (β = 0.417, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis revealed that psychological resilience partially mediates the relationship between physical exercise and self-efficacy, contributing 43.85% to the total effect. Multi-group analysis confirmed structural invariance across genders. Conclusion: Physical exercise enhances adolescents’ self-efficacy both directly and indirectly through psychological resilience. It strengthens psychological resilience, which in turn boosts self-efficacy. These findings highlight the key role of physical activity in promoting resilience and building adolescents’ confidence in their abilities. © The Author(s) 2025.
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