Abstract
AIM: This study investigates how perceived social support influences Chinese university students' willingness to participate in non-traditional sports, focusing on the chain mediating roles of psychological resilience and self-efficacy, and the moderating effect of Collectivistic orientation. METHODS: An online survey collected 540 valid responses from Chinese university students. The survey measured perceived social support from family, friends, and significant others; psychological resilience; self-efficacy; and participation intention in non-traditional sports. Main effects and mediation effects were tested using SPSS Process model 6, while moderation effects were examined using Process model 83. RESULTS: This study revealed that perceived social support positively influences Chinese students' participation intention in non-traditional sports. Both psychological resilience and self-efficacy partially mediate this relationship, with evidence supporting a sequential mediation pathway. Moreover, the positive effect of perceived social support on psychological resilience is significantly stronger among individuals with a collectivistic orientation, confirming the moderating role. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that perceived social support significantly enhances participation intention in non-traditional sports among Chinese university students. The chain mediating roles of psychological resilience and self-efficacy, coupled with the moderating influence of cultural orientation, provide valuable insights for promoting non-traditional sports by addressing both psychological and cultural factors.