Square dance participation and subjective well-being among urban older adults: mediating roles of social support and optimism

Abstract

Background Promoting a happier society is an important goal of social development, and subjective well-being is a key indicator of quality of life. With population aging in China, older adults may be more vulnerable to negative emotional states. Group-based physical activities, such as square dance, have become popular among older adults due to their accessibility and potential psychological benefits. Methods Using a convenience sampling approach, this study recruited urban older adults aged 60–69 years who regularly participated in square dance exercise. Notably, the final sample was predominantly female (94.55%), which should be considered when interpreting the findings. Data were collected using validated scales, including the PARS-3, Social Support Scale, LOT-R, and the Chinese Urban Residents’ Subjective Well-being Scale (short version). Analyses were conducted using SPSS 27.0 and AMOS 26.0, and mediation effects were tested using bootstrap analysis. Results Square dance participation, social support, optimism, and subjective well-being were significantly positively associated (p < 0.01). Square dance participation was associated with subjective well-being (total effect β = 0.507), with a direct effect of 0.205. Social support partially mediated this relationship (indirect effect = 0.233), as did optimism (indirect effect = 0.034). A sequential mediation effect through social support and optimism was also observed (indirect effect = 0.035). Conclusion Square dance participation is positively associated with subjective well-being among older adults, with this relationship partially explained by social support and optimism.