{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,10,6]],"date-time":"2026-10-06T05:54:53Z","timestamp":1791266093901,"version":"4.1.0"},"reference-count":34,"publisher":"Frontiers Media SA","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,10,6]],"date-time":"2026-10-06T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1791244800000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":["frontiersin.org"],"crossmark-restriction":true},"short-container-title":["Front. Psychol."],"abstract":"<jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Objective<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>This study examined the association between traditional Chinese health-preserving exercises and self-worth in older adults, focusing on the mediating role of self-identity and the moderating role of social support.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Method<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>A cluster sampling approach was adopted to recruit 500 older adults from 12 representative Tai Chi and Health Qigong associations in the Guangdong\u2013Hong Kong\u2013Macao Greater Bay Area for a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected using the Traditional Chinese Health-Preserving Exercise Scale, the Self-Identity Scale, the Social Support Scale, and the Self-Worth Scale. Amos 26.0 was used to assess the reliability and validity of the scales. SPSS 27.0 was employed to conduct descriptive statistics and correlation analyses for the four variables, followed by multiple linear regression to examine the total association. Subsequently, the SPSS PROCESS macro (Models 4 and 7) was used to test the mediating role of self-identity and the moderated mediation model, respectively.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Results<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>\n                      Significant positive correlations were observed between any two of the four variables: traditional Chinese health-preserving exercises, self-identity, social support, and self-worth (\n                      <jats:italic>p<\/jats:italic>\n                      \u202f&amp;lt;\u202f0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that traditional Chinese health-preserving exercises were significantly and positively associated with self-worth (\n                      <jats:italic>\u03b2<\/jats:italic>\n                      \u202f=\u202f0.104,\n                      <jats:italic>p<\/jats:italic>\n                      \u202f&amp;lt;\u202f0.05). The indirect pathway from traditional Chinese health-preserving exercises to self-worth through self-identity was significant [\n                      <jats:italic>\u03b2<\/jats:italic>\n                      \u202f=\u202f0.095, Bootstrap 95% CI (0.018, 0.165)]. Moreover, social support moderated the association between traditional Chinese health-preserving exercises and self-identity, which was strongest at high levels of social support (\n                      <jats:italic>\u03b2<\/jats:italic>\n                      \u202f=\u202f0.365,\n                      <jats:italic>p<\/jats:italic>\n                      \u202f&amp;lt;\u202f0.001), and the mediating role of self-identity was significant only at high levels of social support [\n                      <jats:italic>\u03b2<\/jats:italic>\n                      \u202f=\u202f0.143, Bootstrap 95% CI (0.052, 0.231)].\n                    <\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Conclusion<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of self-worth, self-identity, and social support, this study suggests that among older adults who enjoy robust social support networks, regular engagement in traditional Chinese health-preserving exercises is associated with the development and reinforcement of self-identity across physiological, psychological, and social dimensions. Within this process, older adults may become increasingly oriented toward contemplating the meaning of life in a natural context, shifting from a focus on external achievements toward exploring inner peace and the inherent value of life, and this reorientation may accompany the fulfillment of self-worth.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.3389\/fpsyg.2026.1771130","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,10,6]],"date-time":"2026-10-06T05:21:16Z","timestamp":1791264076000},"update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/crossmark-policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Traditional Chinese health-preserving exercises and self-worth in older adults: a moderated mediation model"],"prefix":"10.3389","volume":"17","author":[{"given":"Doudou","family":"Yang","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Physical Education, Guangdong University of Science and Technology","place":["Dongguan, China"]}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Huijun","family":"Han","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"School of Sports Technology, Guangzhou College of Applied Science and Technology","place":["Zhaoqing, China"]}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Qiong","family":"Yao","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"School of Wushu, Guangzhou Sport University","place":["Guangzhou, China"]}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"1965","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,10,6]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"19","DOI":"10.2174\/1874609811205010019","article-title":"Effects of tai chi exercise on physical and psychological health of older people","volume":"5","author":"Blake","year":"2012","journal-title":"Curr. Aging Sci."},{"key":"ref2","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"42","DOI":"10.1007\/s10902-024-00758-3","article-title":"Profile membership of self-worth contingencies predicts well-being, virtues, and values","volume":"25","author":"Bounds","year":"2024","journal-title":"J. Happiness Stud."},{"key":"ref3","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"174","DOI":"10.1186\/s12912-025-02792-9","article-title":"The effect of the tai chi intervention on self-esteem and self-confidence perception in adult populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis","volume":"24","author":"Chair","year":"2025","journal-title":"BMC Nurs."},{"key":"ref4","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jds.2023.10.018","article-title":"Improving oral health of older adults for healthy ageing","volume":"19","author":"Chan","year":"2024","journal-title":"J. Dent. Sci."},{"key":"ref5","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"325","DOI":"10.1097\/00006842-198707000-00001","article-title":"Social support type: a behavior and coronary artery disease","volume":"49","author":"Cohen","year":"1987","journal-title":"Psychosom. Med."},{"key":"ref6","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1711","DOI":"10.3390\/ijerph18041711","article-title":"Physical self-concept changes in adults and older adults: influence of emotional intelligence, intrinsic motivation and sports habits","volume":"18","author":"Conde-Pip\u00f3","year":"2021","journal-title":"Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health"},{"key":"ref7","first-page":"155","volume-title":"Handbook of Motivation at School","author":"Covington","year":"2009"},{"key":"ref8","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"354","DOI":"10.1080\/17461391.2011.568631","article-title":"Exercise promotion: an integration of exercise self-identity, beliefs, intention, and behaviour","volume":"12","author":"de Bruijn","year":"2012","journal-title":"Eur. J. Sport Sci."},{"key":"ref9","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"695","DOI":"10.1249\/01.mss.0000487087.02162.84","article-title":"Examining the relationship between social support and physical activity in older adults","volume":"48","author":"Ewald","year":"2016","journal-title":"Med. Sci. Sports Exerc."},{"key":"ref10","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"62","DOI":"10.3390\/ijerph19106244","article-title":"Factors associated with the participation of older adults in cultural and sports activities","volume":"19","author":"Ghenta","year":"2022","journal-title":"Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health"},{"key":"ref11","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"149","DOI":"10.1186\/s40359-025-02495-5","article-title":"Social anxiety among young adults in Switzerland: a cross-sectional study on associations with sports and social support","volume":"13","author":"Heller","year":"2025","journal-title":"BMC Psychol."},{"key":"ref12","first-page":"M14","article-title":"Self-identity theory and research methods","volume":"8","author":"Horowitz","year":"2012","journal-title":"J. Res. Pract."},{"key":"ref13","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"540","DOI":"10.1126\/science.3399889","article-title":"Social relationships and health","volume":"241","author":"House","year":"1988","journal-title":"Science"},{"key":"ref9001","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"247","DOI":"10.1080\/03601277.2018.1452882","article-title":"Older adults\u2019 physical exercise and health-related quality of life: the mediating role of physical self-concept","volume":"44","author":"Hsu","year":"2018","journal-title":"Educ. Gerontol."},{"key":"ref14","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"204","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jshs.2013.03.008","article-title":"Analysis of the TCM theory of traditional Chinese health exercise","volume":"2","author":"Jiang","year":"2013","journal-title":"J. Sport Health Sci."},{"key":"ref15","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1128","DOI":"10.1080\/07294360.2025.2467894","article-title":"Disrupting the self: self-identity, discomfort and (un)becoming through the research process","volume":"44","author":"Jones","year":"2025","journal-title":"High. Educ. Res. Dev."},{"key":"ref16","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"100585","DOI":"10.1016\/j.puhip.2025.100585","article-title":"Global prevalence of obesity in the older adults: a meta-analysis","volume":"9","author":"Khaleghi","year":"2025","journal-title":"Public Health Pract."},{"key":"ref17","first-page":"5","article-title":"Stress levels of college students and their relationship with physical exercise","volume":"1","author":"Liang","year":"1994","journal-title":"Chin. J. Ment. Health"},{"key":"ref18","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.1016\/j.newideapsych.2024.101083","article-title":"Embodiment as a synthesis of having a body and being a body, and its role in self-identity and mental health","volume":"74","author":"Lundh","year":"2024","journal-title":"New Ideas Psychol."},{"key":"ref19","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1240","DOI":"10.1037\/0022-3514.50.6.1240","article-title":"Cross-cultural investigation of the validity of Erikson\u2019s theory of personality development","volume":"50","author":"Ochse","year":"1986","journal-title":"J. Pers. Soc. Psychol."},{"key":"ref20","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"352","DOI":"10.1186\/s12877-023-04070-2","article-title":"Effect of Tai Chi and Qigong on cognitive and physical functions in older adults: systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized clinical trials","volume":"23","author":"Park","year":"2023","journal-title":"BMC Geriatr."},{"key":"ref21","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"409","DOI":"10.1080\/01612840.2021.1998263","article-title":"Self-identity and meaning in life as enablers for older adults to self-manage depression","volume":"43","author":"Polacsek","year":"2022","journal-title":"Issues Ment. Health Nurs."},{"key":"ref22","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"95","DOI":"10.1037\/h0045357","article-title":"The necessary and sufficient conditions of the therapeutic personality change","volume":"21","author":"Rogers","year":"1957","journal-title":"J. Consult. Psychol."},{"key":"ref23","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","DOI":"10.1515\/9781400876136","volume-title":"Society and the Adolescent Self-Image","author":"Rosenberg","year":"1965"},{"key":"ref24","volume-title":"Social Support: Theory, Research and Applications","author":"Sarason","year":"2013"},{"key":"ref25","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"285","DOI":"10.1080\/10413200.2016.1266711","article-title":"Social comparisons, social support, and self-perceptions in group exercise for people with Parkinson\u2019s disease","volume":"29","author":"Sheehy","year":"2016","journal-title":"J. Appl. Sport Psychol."},{"key":"ref26","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1355","DOI":"10.1186\/s12889-024-18863-6","article-title":"Physical activity and functional social support in community-dwelling older adults: a scoping review","volume":"24","author":"Steinhoff","year":"2024","journal-title":"BMC Public Health"},{"key":"ref27","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"114","DOI":"10.1016\/j.psychsport.2009.09.002","article-title":"Older adults\u2019 physically-active identity: relationships between social cognitions, physical activity and satisfaction with life","volume":"11","author":"Strachan","year":"2010","journal-title":"Psychol. Sport Exerc."},{"key":"ref28","first-page":"189","volume-title":"The Oxford Handbook of Health Psychology","author":"Taylor","year":"2011"},{"key":"ref29","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"367","DOI":"10.1037\/0278-6133.2.4.367","article-title":"Social support and physical health","volume":"2","author":"Wallston","year":"1983","journal-title":"Health Psychol."},{"key":"ref30","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"475","DOI":"10.1007\/s11325-023-02906-0","article-title":"Effects of traditional Chinese exercises on geriatric mental health","volume":"28","author":"Woo","year":"2024","journal-title":"Sleep Breath."},{"key":"ref31","year":"2021"},{"key":"ref32","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"2614","DOI":"10.1186\/s12889-025-23934-3","article-title":"Association between self-worth and health promotion behaviors among older adults living in the community: a cross-sectional study","volume":"25","author":"Zarghami","year":"2025","journal-title":"BMC Public Health"},{"key":"ref33","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"658","DOI":"10.1080\/10413200.2022.2055223","article-title":"Social support among older adults in group physical activity programs","volume":"35","author":"Zimmer","year":"2023","journal-title":"J. Appl. Sport Psychol."}],"container-title":["Frontiers in Psychology"],"original-title":[],"link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpsyg.2026.1771130\/full","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,10,6]],"date-time":"2026-10-06T05:21:18Z","timestamp":1791264078000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpsyg.2026.1771130\/full"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026,10,6]]},"references-count":34,"alternative-id":["10.3389\/fpsyg.2026.1771130"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fpsyg.2026.1771130","relation":{},"ISSN":["1664-1078"],"issn-type":[{"value":"1664-1078","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026,10,6]]},"article-number":"1771130"}}