Physical Activity and Social Anxiety in Highly Sensitive Individuals: The Mediating Role of Cognitive Reappraisal

Social anxiety disorder is increasingly prevalent among college students, impairing academic and social functioning. This study examined how physical activity (PA) relates to social anxiety, with cognitive reappraisal as a mediator and sensory processing sensitivity (HSP) as a moderator. A cross-sectional survey of 465 undergraduate students from Guangdong Province, China assessed PA (PARS-3), social anxiety (IAS), cognitive reappraisal, and HSP. Moderated mediation analysis was conducted. PA was significantly negatively associated with social anxiety (β = −0.131, p < 0.01) and positively associated with cognitive reappraisal (β = 0.182, p < 0.01). Cognitive reappraisal partially mediated this relationship, accounting for 20.12% of the total effect. Furthermore, HSP moderated the direct effect, as PA was significantly negatively associated with social anxiety only in highly sensitive individuals (β = −0.216, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that PA is linked to lower social anxiety through cognitive reappraisal, with highly sensitive individuals deriving greater benefits. Interventions should incorporate HSP to personalize treatment approaches for college students.