Abstract
AIMS: This research aimed to explore the impact of tennis on depressive symptoms and pro-social behaviors among college students, while also delving into the intermediary function of social support navigation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Utilizing a suite of psychological evaluations and social support instruments, the study compared the levels of depressive symptoms and pro-social behaviors between collegiate tennis athletes and their non-athlete peers. RESULTS: The findings revealed an inverse relationship between the duration of tennis engagement and the presence of depressive symptoms (β = -0.234, p <0.001), alongside a direct positive association with pro-social tendencies (β = 0.222, p < 0.001). Further scrutiny uncovered a substantial link between the degree to which participants valued social support and their experiences of depressive symptoms (indirect effect = -0.212, 95%CI = -0.036 ~ -0.009) and pro-social behaviors (indirect effect = 0.025, 95%CI = 0.009 ~ 0.044). Notably, the valuation of social support served as a conduit for the beneficial effects of tennis on these outcomes within the collegiate population. Consequently, the evidence from this investigation underscores the salutary influence of tennis on the psychological well-being and social conduct of college students, highlighting the pivotal role of understanding and leveraging social support. CONCLUSION: These insights offer valuable direction for fostering mental health and social proficiency in the university setting and advocate for the integration of sports as a viable component in mental health strategies.