# Enhancing generosity through movement: association between physical exercise and charitable donation behavior

## TL;DR

This study finds that people who exercise regularly are more likely to donate to charity, possibly because exercise boosts feelings of social responsibility and well-being.

## Contribution

The study establishes a novel link between physical exercise and charitable behavior in China, mediated by social responsibility and well-being.

## Key findings

- Regular physical exercise is positively associated with both the likelihood and amount of charitable donations.
- The relationship remains stable across different demographic groups and model specifications.
- Social responsibility and subjective well-being partially explain the link between exercise and donation behavior.

## Abstract

This study explores the relationship between physical exercise and charitable donation behavior in the context of China’s pursuit of common prosperity. Specifically, it examines whether individuals who regularly engage in physical activity are more likely to donate to charitable causes and in greater amounts, as well as the psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship.

Using nationally representative data from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS2012), we conducted multivariate regression analyses to estimate the association between physical exercise and donation behavior. To ensure the robustness of the results, we performed a series of sensitivity analyses, including propensity score matching, alternative outcome measures, and different model specifications. Mediation analyses were also conducted to test the potential mediating roles of social responsibility and subjective well-being, drawing on theories of altruism and reciprocity.

The findings indicate a significant positive association between participation in physical exercise and both the likelihood of charitable donation and the amount donated. Robustness checks confirmed the stability of these results. Furthermore, heterogeneity analyses revealed that this relationship does not vary significantly across gender, age, or household registration status. Mediation analysis showed that both social responsibility and subjective well-being partially mediate the relationship between exercise and donation behavior.

The findings of this study underscore the potential societal benefits of promoting mass participation in physical exercise. By fostering a sense of social responsibility and enhancing subjective well-being, physical exercise may serve as a pathway to broader civic engagement. Promoting mass sports participation could thus support societal goals such as advancing common prosperity in China.