This study systematically analyzes the mechanisms by which exercise interventions alleviate anxiety, emphasizing the synergistic effects of neurophysiological regulation, cognitive restructuring, and social support. Exercise improves physiological stress responses by modulating neurotransmitter levels and HPA axis function, complemented by the optimization of cognitive structures, which enhances individuals' self-efficacy and emotional regulation abilities. Social support, as a key mediating variable, plays an important role in buffering stress and providing psychological resources, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of exercise interventions. Integrating social cognitive theory and social capital theory, this study constructs a multi-level mechanism model, revealing the path relationships of social support in exercise interventions, providing theoretical support for the optimization of psychological intervention strategies. The results indicate that social support not only enriches the pathways of exercise in alleviating anxiety but also has important guiding significance in clinical practice, providing a theoretical basis for achieving personalized and systematic anxiety interventions. Future research could further validate the path model, expand multidisciplinary integration, and provide continuous support for the scientific rigor and precision of mental health interventions.

Li Yichen. The Mediating Effect of Social Support in Exercise Interventions for Anxiety Reduction. Frontiers in Sport Research (2025), Vol. 7, Issue 3: 75-80. https://doi.org/10.25236/FSR.2025.070313.

[1] Wu Xiaojun, Mai Liming The Impact of exercise Intervention on Social Phobia: A Systematic review and Meta-analysis [J]. Sports Teacher Friend, 2024,47(05):22-28.

[2] Guo Jiaqi, Li Qinlei, Liu Zijian, et al. The Relationship between Physical Appreciation and Social Anxiety among College Students: The Mediating Role of Trait Mindfulness and the Moderating Role of Exercise Intention [J] Chinese Journal of Health Psychology, 2025, 1-14.

[3] Zhan Hui, Wang Donghai, Tan Yan, et al. A study on the Intervention of Cooperative Factors in Sports on Social Anxiety of Female College Students [J]. Neijiang Science and Technology, 2022,43(09):81-82+58.

[4] Liu Kequ. Research on the Influence Mechanism of the Use of Social Media Sports and Fitness Content on Social Physical Anxiety of Female College Students [D] Huazhong university of science and technology, 2022. DOI: 10.27157 /, dc nki. Ghzku. 2022.003351.

[5] Ju Mingxiao, Lin Yong, Yu Jie, et al. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Intervention Effect of Sports on Social Anxiety among College Students [C]// Shaanxi Society of Sports Science, Shaanxi Student Sports Association. Abstract Collection of the Second Shaanxi Provincial Sports Science Conference (Special Topic One). Physical Education Teaching and Research Group of Pingdu No. 2 Experimental Primary School Physical Education, Health and Arts Section of Pingdu Municipal Education and Sports Bureau Xinxian Hutong Primary School, Dongcheng District, Beijing Fasten based teaching center of ocean university of China, 2024:308-324. The DOI: 10.26914 / Arthur c. nkihy. 2024.022252.

[6] Zhou Hangzhi. The Impact of Basketball Sports Intervention on the Social Adaptability of Junior High School Students: The Chain Mediating Effect of Social Anxiety and Peer Relationships [D]. Yangzhou university, 2024. DOI: 10.27441 /, dc nki. Gyzdu. 2024.000701.

[7] Zhang Pengcheng. The Impact of Perception of Social Adversity on College Students' Social Anxiety: A Study on the Mediating Role and Intervention of Evaluation Fear [D]. Shanxi university, 2024. DOI: 10.27284 /, dc nki. Gsxiu. 2024.001147.

[8] Chen Guona, Wang Junyu. Research on the Intervention of Basketball and Volleyball on Social Anxiety Behaviors of College Students [C]// Sports Management Branch of the Chinese Society of Sports Science. Proceedings of the 12th National Conference on Sports Management Science in 2024. Sanmenxia Polytechnic Henan university of science and technology application engineering school, 2024:128-129. The DOI: 10.26914 / Arthur c. nkihy. 2024.020335.

[9] Zhao Yuanhui, Wang Wenxing, Wang Mengdie, et al. The intervention effect of personalized progressive exercise prescriptions on anxiety among college students [J]. Chinese Journal of Sports Medicine, 25,44(03):190-198.DOI:10.16038/ J.1000-6710.2025.03.010.

[10] Zhao Yuanhui, Ren Hong, Wang Wenxing. Research on the Intervention Effect of Personalized and Precise Exercise Prescriptions on Anxiety and Physical Activity of College Students [C]// Chinese Society of Sports Science. The fifth session of the national fitness science conference paper based -- project report (3). Beijing sport university, 2024:206-207. The DOI: 10.26914 / Arthur c. nkihy. 2024.065442.