Self-regulation of learning as a mediator between emotional intelligence and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity

The aim was to investigate individual variation of SRL in PE classes, examining the role of emotional intelligence (EI), and its impact on levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in leisure time. These relations were initially tested in a cross-sectional study (Study 1) and a sample of students from secondary education (245 students; M = 12.43), which were then replicated in the Study 2 with a sample of 234 students (M = 14.45). These relations were tested in an experimental and longitudinal study with a sample of 98 university students (Study 3). In studies 1-2, the findings showed that EI had a direct effect on the MVPA and an indirect one through effort and self-efficacy, which were the only important mediators between EI and MVPA. In study 3, the intervention program to improve EI had a positive impact on all variables measuring SRL and levels of MVPA during leisure time.