Mobile phone addiction levels and negative emotions among Chinese young adults: The mediating role of interpersonal problems

The Associations Between Social Support and Problematic Mobile Phone Use Among Children and Adolescents: A Three-level Meta-analysis

Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between social support and problematic mobile phone use among adolescents, yet a definitive consensus remains elusive. The high prevalence of problematic mobile phone use among children and adolescents requires urgent clarity on this issue. However, previous meta-analyses on this topic have primarily focused on college students, overlooking this association in younger age groups. The present study thus concentrated on children and adolescents, conducting a three-level meta-analysis to combine existing research findings and analyze various moderators to identify sources of research heterogeneity. A systematic literature search retrieved a total of 33 studies with 135 effect sizes for this meta-analysis, and 25,537 students (53.83% female, age range 7-19, grades range 3rd-12th) were included. The results showed a negative correlation (r = -0.139) between social support and problematic mobile phone use in children and adolescents. Age, social support measurement, sources of social support, and symptoms of problematic mobile phone use were found to have a significant moderating influence. Specifically, social support showed a stronger negative correlation with problematic mobile phone use in older adolescents compared to their younger counterparts. The correlation was more pronounced when using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support than other scales. Family support exhibited a stronger negative correlation with problematic mobile phone use compared to other sources of support. Among the symptoms of problematic mobile phone use, the inability to control craving has the strongest negative correlation with social support. This meta-analysis suggested that providing more social support, particularly in the form of family support, during the development of children and adolescents may help alleviate problematic mobile phone use.

Growth mindset and well-being in social interactions: countering individual loneliness

Introduction

Loneliness is a prevalent negative emotion experienced by college students. This study explores the relationship between a growth mindset and loneliness among college students.

Methods

A total of 560 college students completed the Growth Mindset Scale (GMS), UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA), Interpersonal Relationships Assessment Scale (IRS), and two measures assessing distinct facets of well-being the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the revised Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS).

Results and discussion

The results found a significant negative correlation between a growth mindset and loneliness. A growth mindset negatively predicted loneliness through the chain-mediated effects of interpersonal distress and well-being. These findings underscore the important role of a growth mindset in influencing loneliness, providing teachers and practitioners a new perspective to understand and intervene college students' psychological challenges.

Relationship Between Warm Childhood Memories and Mobile Phone Addiction: A Moderated Mediation Model

Childhood experiences have an important effect on mobile phone addiction, but the relationship between positive childhood experiences and mobile phone addiction and its underlying mechanisms should be explored further. This study aims to explore a model linking early memories of warmth and safeness to mobile phone addiction via the mediating role of alexithymia and moderating role of negative coping styles. A total of 379 Chinese college students (Mage = 19.80 years, SD = 1.38; 240 females) completed a questionnaire consisting of the Early Memories of Warmth and Safeness Scale, Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Mobile Phone Addiction Scale, and Negative Coping Styles Scale. Results indicate that early memories of warmth and safeness are negatively correlated with mobile phone addiction, and alexithymia plays a mediating role in the link between early memories of warmth and safeness and mobile phone addiction. In addition, negative coping styles significantly moderate the relationship between early memories of warmth and safeness and alexithymia, specifically, the negative association between early memories of warmth and safeness and alexithymia is highly significant at high (vs. low) negative coping styles levels. The findings suggest that early memories of warmth and safeness are an important protective factor against mobile phone addiction, which enrich the literature on mobile phone addiction and provide empirical support for the prevention of mobile phone addiction.

The relationship between mobile phone dependence and academic burnout in Chinese college students: a moderated mediator model

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between the level of mobile phone dependence among college students and their experience of academic burnout. Additionally, the study sought to explore the potential mediating effect of study engagement and the moderating role of love.

Methods

During October and December 2023, a cross-sectional study measuring mobile phone dependence, academic burnout, and study engagement among Chinese college students, using the UtrechtWork Engagement Scale-student (UWES-S), College Student Mobile Phone Dependence Questionnaire (CSMPDQ), and Academic Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ). To examine the hypothesis of mediating and moderating effect, SPSS PROCESS was utilized.

Results

The predictive effect of mobile phone dependence on academic burnout was significant (β = 0.410, t = 14.236, p < 0.001), and the predictive effect of mobile phone dependence on academic burnout remained significant when the mediating variable study engagement was introduced (β = 0.308, t = 10.288, p < 0.001), mobile phone dependence had a significant predictive effect on study engagement (β = -0.292, t = -11.639, p < 0.001), and study engagement had a significant positive predictive effect on academic burnout (β = -0.270, t = -9.028, p < 0.001). Love significantly negatively predicted study engagement (β = -0.564, t = -9.641, p < 0.001); and the interaction term for mobile phone dependence and love was significant (β = -0.211, t = -3.688, p < 0.001), indicating a significant moderating effect of love between mobile phone dependence and study engagement.

Conclusion

Mobile phones among college students has been found to have a direct correlation with academic burnout. It can also indirectly contribute to academic burnout by diminishing levels of academic engagement. This indirect relationship is further influenced by love. These findings can help researchers and educators better understand the underlying mechanisms between smartphone dependence and learning burnout in undergraduates.

Perceived Social Mobility and Smartphone Dependence in University Students: The Roles of Hope and Family Socioeconomic Status

Purpose

Drawing upon the cognitive-behavioral model of pathological Internet use (PIU) and tunnel effect, this study aimed to construct a moderated mediation model from the perspective of social ecology. Specifically, the model investigated the relationship between perceived social mobility and smartphone dependence, with a focus on the mediating role of hope and the moderating effect of family socioeconomic status (SES) underlying this relationship.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 718 Chinese university students (Mage = 19.19, 70.2% female) from Beijing, Henan, and Tianjin, who anonymously filled out the Perceptions of Socioeconomic Mobility Scale, Mobile Phone Addiction Index Scale, Openness to the Future Scale, and family socioeconomic status questionnaire. Preliminary data analysis was executed using SPSS 22.0, and the moderated mediation effect was tested using the latent moderated structural equations approach in Mplus 8.3.

Results

The results showed that (a) less perceived social mobility was linked with greater smartphone dependence; (b) hope mediated the aforementioned relationship; and (c) family SES moderated the first-stage path of the indirect effect through hope. For university students with low (rather than high) family SES, their level of hope increased with the improvement of perceived social mobility, and in turn, that of smartphone dependence decreased.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that positive perceptions of upward social class mobility and hopeful attitudes toward future opportunities and personal development among disadvantaged university students may alleviate their reliance on smartphones. Researchers and policymakers should pay attention to the role of individuals' perceptions of the macro environment in motivating specific risky behaviors among university students. Future interventions are essential to mitigate pessimistic environmental perceptions and foster a sense of hope among university students.

Unveiling the relationship between social anxiety, loneliness, motivations, and problematic smartphone use: A network approach

BACKGROUND

Previous studies suggested social anxiety as an essential risk factor for problematic smartphone use, but the complex interactions and the most influential components affecting this relationship remain unclear. This study capitalizes on network analysis to identify the central factors and possible mediating paths among social anxiety, loneliness, five types of motivation, and problematic smartphone use.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Employing 549 emerging adults, we obtained a stable network of the above variables. The central components and the stability of this network were also identified.

RESULTS

Within this network, the edge linking withdrawal behavior and use of application (APP) exhibits the most robust edge intensity. The central components include social comfort, use of APP, withdrawal behavior, and companionship while the bridge central nodes include social anxiety and escapism motivation. The direct link between social anxiety and PSU revealed only fragile edges with both withdrawal behavior and use of APP. Considering the possible mediating pathways, three pathways were observed in our network. Loneliness and escapism mediated the relationship between social anxiety and social comfort. Moreover, another mediating way was from social anxiety, loneliness, social interaction motivation, and escapism motivation to social comfort.

DISCUSSION

Based on the above identification of related components and pathways, future researchers could intervene against problematic smartphone usage in this socially anxious population.

Childhood Adversity and Adolescent Smartphone Use Across Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression

Importance

Nonheterosexual and gender-nonconforming (GNC) individuals tend to report adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) more frequently compared with heterosexual and gender-conforming individuals, and individuals who have experienced ACEs, identify as nonheterosexual, or exhibit moderate to high levels of GNC are more prone to engaging in problematic smartphone use (PSU). However, there is limited school-based data among adolescents regarding this matter.

Objectives

To explore the associations between ACEs and PSU among adolescents across different sexual orientation and gender expression groups.

Design, setting, and participants

Using data from the 2021 School-Based Chinese Adolescents Health Survey, this cross-sectional study includes participants from 288 public high schools across 8 provinces in China. Statistical analysis was performed from October 2023 to February 2024.

Exposures

Data on ACEs, sexual orientations, and gender expressions (high, moderate, and low GNC) were collected.

Main outcomes and measures

PSU was assessed using the 10-item Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV). Weighted linear, logistic, or Poisson regression models were used.

Results

Among the 85 064 adolescents included (mean [SD] age, 14.92 [1.77] years), 42 632 (50.1%) were female, 70 157 (83.2%) identified as Han Chinese, and 14 208 (16.8) identified as other ethnicities (Miao, Hui, Yi, Dai, and other ethnic groups). The prevalence of PSU among participants was 35.4%. Weighted Poisson regression models indicated that the interaction between GNC and ACE was significant (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR], 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99). Further stratified analysis demonstrated homosexual adolescents who experienced 4 or more ACEs showed a significantly increased prevalence of PSU (APR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.64-1.96). Similarly, a markedly higher prevalence of PSU was observed among bisexual individuals with 4 or more ACEs (APR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.41-1.80). Regarding gender expression categories, a significantly higher prevalence of PSU was noted among high GNC adolescents with 4 or more ACEs (APR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.60-1.98) compared with low GNC adolescents without ACEs. Furthermore, experiencing any 3 ACE categories (abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction) was associated with an increased prevalence of PSU across different sexual orientation and gender expression subgroups.

Conclusions and relevance

In this cross-sectional study, the amalgamation of elevated ACE scores with nonheterosexual orientations or GNC identities was significantly associated with increased PSU prevalence. These findings underscore that preventing ACEs may be beneficial in mitigating PSU among adolescents, particularly for nonheterosexual adolescents and those with high levels of GNC.

The circular argument relationship between mindfulness and mobile phone addiction: evidence based on the diary method

The link between civilization and technology has long been a hotspot of research around the world. Mobile phone addiction has become a common social phenomenon with advances in society and technology, wreaking havoc on people's emotional health, physical fitness, and personal connections. Considering the positive effects of mindfulness, this study used the diary method to explore the relationship between mindfulness and mobile phone addiction based on the mindfulness reperceiving model. We conducted a 14-day diary study among 198 Chinese youth participants. The results showed that there was a circular argument relationship between mindfulness and mobile phone addiction: mindfulness of the previous day could significantly negatively predict mobile phone addiction of the following day, and vice versa. These results, based on the mindfulness reperceiving model, effectively extend theories and profoundly reveal the circular argument relationship between mindfulness and mobile phone addiction. Besides, it also provides new thought for the mechanism of the interrelationship between mindfulness and mobile phone addiction, as an important theoretical support for the intervention of mobile phone addiction from the perspective of mindfulness.

Network analysis of depression and anxiety symptoms and their associations with mobile phone addiction among Chinese medical students during the late stage of the COVID-19 pandemic

Network analysis provides a novel approach to discovering associations between mental disorders at the symptom level. This study aimed to examine the characteristics of the network of depression and anxiety symptoms and their associations with mobile phone addiction (MPA) among Chinese medical students during the late stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 553 medical students were included. Depression and anxiety symptoms and MPA were measured by the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the Mobile Phone Addiction Index (MPAI), respectively. Central and bridge symptoms were identified with centrality indices and bridge centrality indices. Network stability was examined using the case-dropping procedure. "Uncontrollable worry", "restlessness" and "nervousness" were the central symptoms in the depression and anxiety network. "Restlessness" and "motor" were the most central bridge symptoms linking depression and anxiety. "Concentration", "anhedonia" and "sleep" were most strongly associated with MPA. "Uncontrollable worry", "restlessness", "nervousness," and "motor" may be the symptoms for interventions to target in medical students with comorbid depression and anxiety. From a network perspective, depressive symptoms may be more important than anxiety symptoms in medical students with MPA.

Effects of empathy on the bidirectional relationships between problematic smartphone use and aggression among secondary school students: a moderated network approach

Background

Existing literature on the relationship between problematic smartphone use (PSU) and aggression has primarily focused on examining their unidirectional association, with limited attention paid to the bidirectional nature of this relationship, particularly when considering the role of empathy. This study employs a novel moderated network approach to examine the bidirectional relationship between problematic smartphone use and aggression, while also investigating the moderating mechanism of empathy.

Methods

A total of 2,469 students (49.1% female, Mean age = 13.83, SD age = 1.48) from 35 junior and senior high schools in Harbin, China, participated in this study. Empathy level, aggressiveness, and PSU symptoms were assessed using the Basic Empathy Scale, the Buss-Warren Aggression Questionnaire, and the Mobile Phone Addiction Index.

Results

Analysis revealed that the relationship between PSU and aggression was complex and bidirectional. The strongest association was observed between "hostility" and "withdrawal/escape". In addition, "anger" had the highest Expected Influence (EI) in both affective and cognitive moderate network models. An important discovery was also made regarding the conditional effect of "productive loss" and "physical aggression" across different levels of affective empathy. Specifically, at lower levels of affective empathy, a positive bidirectional relationship was found between "productive loss" and "physical aggression". However, this relationship turned negative and bidirectional at higher levels of affective empathy.

Conclusion

The findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics between PSU and aggression and highlight the need for targeted interventions that promote affective empathy to mitigate the negative consequences of excessive smartphone use.

The relationship between mobile phone addiction and time management disposition among Chinese college students：A cross-lagged panel model

Previous research has identified a negative association between mobile phone addiction and time management disposition among college students; however, the direction of this relationship remains divergent. This study utilized a cross-lagged panel model to elucidate the directionality of the relationship between mobile phone addiction and time management disposition. A total of 466 college students completed two measures at seven-month intervals. The findings revealed a prevalence of mobile phone addiction at 10.94 % and 13.73 % in the two surveys. Notably, both mobile phone addiction and time management disposition demonstrated stability over time. Furthermore, a discernible negative bidirectional relationship was observed between the two. The present findings underscore the importance of timely intervention for college students facing challenges in mobile phone usage and time management.

Effects of Impulsivity and Interpersonal Problems on Adolescent Depression: A Cross-Lagged Study

The dynamic changes over time in the relationships between impulsivity, interpersonal problems, and depression warrant further exploration. This study delves into the roles of impulsivity and interpersonal issues in the progression of adolescent depression over a year, using a sample of 271 Chinese adolescents (51.7% male, Mage = 12.60 ± 0.69). At three time points, impulsivity levels were assessed with the Chinese version of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11, interpersonal problems with the Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Check List, and depression with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results revealed that both impulsivity and interpersonal problems serve as risk factors for depression, but the primary risk factor shifted over time. In early middle school stages, impulsivity was the predominant risk factor, while in later stages, interpersonal problems became the primary risk factor. These findings carry significant implications for directing prevention efforts and interventions for adolescent depression.

The impact of problematic mobile phone use and the number of close friends on depression and anxiety symptoms among college students

Background

Psychological problems often occur in college students, with the most common ones being depression and anxiety symptoms. Exploring the risk factors that influence depression and anxiety symptoms in college students is essential to promote their physical and mental health.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the independent and interaction effects of problematic mobile phone use (PMPU) and the number of close friends (NCFs) on depression and anxiety symptoms and the comorbidity of these symptoms among college students.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Huainan, Anhui Province, and Suzhou, Jiangsu Province in China from October to December 2022. Data from 7,617 college students were collected. The Patient Health Questionnaire and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 were used to evaluate depression and anxiety symptoms. The PMPU data were collected by the Mobile Phone Addiction Type Scale. Multinomial logistic regression models were performed to examine the associations of PMPU and NCFs with depression and anxiety symptoms and their interaction effects.

Results

PMPU and lack of close friends significantly increased the risk of depression and anxiety symptoms and the comorbidity of these symptoms in college students (p < 0.001). In addition, the effects of PMPU and lack of close friends on depression and anxiety symptoms in college students were interactive (p < 0.001). No significant sex differences were found.

Conclusion

PMPU and lack of close friends are important risk factors for depression, anxiety, and the comorbidity of these symptoms in college students in China.

Self-control mediates the relationship between time perspective and mobile phone addiction in Chinese college students

Background

Mobile phone addiction (MPA) is a prevalent problem among college students, and Chinese college students are a high-risk group for smartphone addiction. MPA has a negative impact on the physical and mental health and academic performance of college students. Studies have explored the influence of many factors on MPA, such as the characteristics of the smartphone itself, the characteristics of the smartphone user, and the environment. However, to date, no studies have explored the protective and risk factors for MPA from the perspective of personality traits. From this perspective, this study explored the influence of time perspective and trait self-control on MPA to identify effective measures to prevent and intervene in MPA in college students.

Methods

The participants in this cross-sectional study were 526 Chinese college students. They completed the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, the Self-Control Scale and the Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale using an online questionnaire tool. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the relationships among time perspective, self-control and MPA. A latent variable mediation analysis of the structural equation model was used to examine the mediating role of self-control in the relationship between time perspective and MPA.

Results

Various dimensions of time perspective were strongly associated with MPA. Among these dimensions, past negative (r = 0.397, p < 0.001), present hedonistic (r = 0.207, p < 0.001), and present fatalistic perspectives (r = 0.444, p < 0.001) were positively associated with MPA, while a future time perspective (r = -0.200, p < 0.001) was negatively associated with MPA. Mediation effects analysis showed that past negative (β = 0.034, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.020-0.051]), present hedonistic (β = 0.038, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.02-0.06]), present fatalistic (β = 0.047, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.031-0.065]) and future orientation perspectives (β = -0.093, p < 0.001, 95% CI [-0.123-0.069]) indirectly influenced MPA through the mediating effect of self-control.

Conclusion

This study confirmed that a future time perspective and self-control are protective factors for MPA and that past negative, present hedonistic and present fatalistic perspectives are risk factors for MPA. College educators can prevent MPA in college students directly by cultivating their self-control ability, as well as indirectly by increasing their use of future time perspective and reducing past negative, present fatalistic and present hedonistic perspectives.

Effect of fear of missing out on learning burnout in medical students: a moderated mediation

Introduction

Learning burnout has a significant negative impact on students' academic performance and professional development, which has been exacerbated by the growing trend of problematic smartphone use, such as smartphone addiction, among young people. Recently, the literature on excessive social media use has revealed a critical role of fear of missing out. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine how fear of missing out affects smartphone addiction and its subsequent effect on learning burnout in college students.

Methods

In Study 1, 352 medical students were recruited to complete a cross-sectional survey. In Study 2, 2,948 college students were recruited to complete a cross-sectional survey. Further in Study 3, 30 medical students were recruited into a mindfulness-based intervention program.

Results

Study 1 preliminarily confirmed that fear of missing out was positively correlated with learning burnout. Study 2 then revealed a moderated mediation model showing that fear of missing out may increase smartphone addiction, which in turn affects their sleep quality and finally leads to learning burnout. This chain mediation model was moderated by the participants' level of mindfulness. To confirm the promoting role of mindfulness, Study 3 further confirmed that mindfulness training indeed can improve smartphone addiction and reduce learning burnout in medical students.

Discussion

Theoretical and practical contributions were discussed, highlighting the effects of fear of missing out on smartphone addiction and a moderating role of mindfulness training.

A Cross-Sectional Association Between Screen-Based Sedentary Behavior and Anxiety in Academic College Students: Mediating Role of Negative Emotions and Moderating Role of Emotion Regulation

Purpose

The study aims to explore the relationship and potential mechanisms between screen time and anxiety and have a clear understanding of the role of negative emotions and emotion regulation, thus providing guidance for Chinese college students to improve mental health.

Methods

We conducted a questionnaire survey by selecting 1721 academic college students from 6 colleges and universities in 5 provinces in China, and the data were analyzed through the Process program of SPSS for mediating effect and moderating effect.

Results

There is a significant positive relationship between screen time and anxiety, negative emotions play a mediating role between the two (indirect effect = 0.32, p < 0.001), mediating effect accounts for 59.88% of the total effect, and emotion regulation regulates the direct relationship between screen time and anxiety (interaction effect = 0.027, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study sheds light on the potential mechanisms by which screen time affects anxiety in academic college students, providing a fresh perspective on anxiety reduction. Screen time positively affects anxiety levels, where negative emotions have a mediating role and emotion regulation has a moderating role. In the future, we can control screen ++time, increase physical activities, reduce negative emotions, and improve the emotional regulation ability to relieve anxiety, so as to improve the mental health of academic college students, and expect to have a positive impact on future learning, life, and planning.

Smartphone dependency and mental health among Chinese rural adolescents: the mediating role of cognitive failure and parent-child relationship

Background

With the widespread use of smartphones in daily life, smartphone dependency has become a global problem, especially among adolescents. Existing research studies have supported the association between smartphone dependency and the mental health of Chinese rural adolescents, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear.

Objective

The present study used a survey to test whether smartphone dependency may be associated with mental health in Chinese rural adolescents. The mediating role of cognitive failure and parent-child relationship was also examined.

Materials and methods

In total, 941 adolescents (45.91% male; mean age = 14.05, SD = 1.04) in rural areas of mainland China were recruited to complete four scales, including the Mobile Phone Dependence Scale (MPDS), Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ), Family Adaption and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES), and Mental Health of Middle School Students Scale.

Results

The results showed that both cognitive failure and parent-child relationship acted as mediators in the effect of smartphone dependency on mental health among Chinese rural adolescents, and smartphone dependency also affected parent-child relationship by influencing cognitive failure, thus affecting mental health among Chinese rural adolescents indirectly.

Conclusion

The present study suggests that improving parent-child relationships and reducing cognitive failure can reduce the impact of smartphone dependency on the mental health of Chinese rural adolescents.

Risk and Protective Factors Associated With Smartphone Addiction and Phubbing Behavior Among College Students in China

Both smartphone addiction and phubbing are emerging behavioral problems. The present study investigates potential risk and protective factors of smartphone addiction and phubbing behavior, including demographic factors, personal factors, and interpersonal factors among Chinese college students. A total of 866 college students (Mage = 21.01, SD = 1.60) completed self-reported questionnaires in classroom settings. Collected data were analyzed by using Pearson's correlation and hierarchical linear regression analyses. The risk factors for smartphone addiction were phubbing behavior, depression, and social anxiety, while the protective factors were self-control and sense of security. In addition, the risk factors for phubbing behavior included female sex and smartphone addiction, while the protective factors included sense of security and interpersonal adaptability. Our findings help to enhance understanding of the general and specific risks and protective factors for smartphone addiction and phubbing behavior, which can benefit intervention development for related behavior prevention and reduction.

Mobile phone addiction and mental health: the roles of sleep quality and perceived social support

As a global phenomenon, mobile phone addiction has become an increasingly common issue among Chinese university students. Although previous research explored the link between mobile phone addiction and mental health, the possible mechanism underlying the above association is unclear. We administered a cross-sectional survey to 585 participants from two universities in Kunming, southwest China, from October 2021 to January 2022. Our results suggested that mobile phone addiction was negatively associated with mental health, and sleep quality partially mediated the relationship between mobile phone addiction and mental health. Furthermore, perceived social support positively moderated the direct effect of sleep quality on mental health, as well as the indirect effect of mobile phone addiction on mental health. These findings provide a new insight into the underlying mechanism by which mobile phone addiction affects university students' mental health. The results emphasize a necessary task for administrators, health workers, and family members to attach importance to the overuse of mobile phones among university students.

The Relationship between Technology Addiction and Attitude toward Reading: An Investigation on Pre-Service Teachers

In this study, we aimed to examine pre-service teachers' attitudes toward reading books and their technology addictions. We used a correlational survey model. The sample of this study consisted of a Turkish pre-service teachers group studying at the Department of Turkish Education in the education faculty of a state university in Turkey. Our research used the "Attitude Scale Towards Reading" and "Technology Addiction Scale" as data collection tools. As a result of the study, we determined that the attitudes towards reading of pre-service teachers were positive. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in favor of female pre-service teachers in the sub-dimensions of book-reading love, reluctance to read, and stress. The significant difference in the online game-playing sub-dimension of technology addiction favored male pre-service teachers. On the other hand, we found a negative meaningful relationship between pre-service teachers' technology addiction and their attitudes toward reading.

Patterns of smartphone usage associated with depressive symptoms in nursing students

Introduction

Rather than focusing on the activities that the smartphone has been used for, the existing literature frequently focuses on the association between problematic use of smartphone independent of the content of use (self-reported) and depressive symptoms in youth. This study aims to explore patterns of smartphone usage and the association with depressive symptoms in nursing students.

Methods

This cross-sectional study of nursing freshmen (n = 1, 716) was conducted between October and November 2018. Participants were recruited from three Chinese public medical universities using stratified cluster sampling. Self-rated frequency of 12 different smartphone activities over the preceding week was evaluated. Depressive symptoms were assessed by using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).

Results

Of the 1,716 students recruited, 1,424 (83.0%) were girls, and the mean [SD] age was 18.90 [1.39] years. Using principal component analysis (PCA), two typical usage patterns were indicated. The "entertainment pattern" factor included a high frequency of streaming images or videos, searching for information, chatting online, online shopping, downloading, reading online, checking social media sites, taking pictures or videos, and playing games. The "communication pattern" had a high frequency of emailing, texting, and calling. Using logistic regression models, the association between smartphone usage patterns and depressive symptoms was tested. The "communication pattern" was significantly associated with a 53% increase in the odds of moderate and above depressive symptoms (AOR = 1.529; 95% CI = 1.286-1.818; p < 0.001), controlling for a set of socio-demographic and smartphone use covariates.

Discussion

This study provides insights into how the patterns of smartphone usage are associated with the severity of depressive symptoms in nursing students. It indicates that it may primarily be how we use our smartphones rather than how much we use them that poses a risk for depression.

The relationship between physical activity and interpersonal distress in college students: the chain mediating role of self-control and mobile phone addiction

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

Interpersonal relationships, as an important variable affecting the physical and mental health and future development of individuals, were used to construct a structural equation model between physical activity and interpersonal relationships in order to help college students better adapt to society and achieve a high level of mental health.

METHODS

SPSS 27.0 software was used to statistically analyze the data, and Amos 28.0 software was used to construct the model between variables. The results showed that physical activity directly predicted the interpersonal relationship status of college students (β =  - 0.108, 95% CI [- 0.210, - 0.005]), and the chain mediating effect of physical activity → self-control → mobile phone addiction tendency → interpersonal relationship distress was significant (β =  - 0.012, 95% CI [- 0.033, - 0.003]). The results of this study suggest that physical activity may be viewed as an effective intervention strategy to mitigate the interpersonal challenges that college students may face in the future.

The reciprocal relationships between meaning in life and smartphone addiction among Chinese college students: evidence from a three-wave cross-lagged panel model

Background

Previous cross-sectional studies have shown that meaning in life (MIL) is closely associated with college students' smartphone addiction (SA), but the causal relationship between MIL and college students' SA is uncertain. Therefore, conducting a longitudinal study to explore their relationship is very necessary. Furthermore, some studies have implied possible gender differences in the relationship between MIL and SA and the relationship between SA and MIL. Therefore, it is necessary to further examine whether there are gender differences in the above relationships.

Methods

The present study constructed a three-wave cross-lag panel model to explore the relationships between MIL and college students' SA. Three waves of data were collected from 705 college students (male: 338; female: 367) in China for three consecutive years, and the interval of data collection was 1 year. These college students completed the same online questionnaire regarding MIL and SA.

Results

(1) The MIL of male college students was significantly stronger than that of female college students at time 1, time 2, and time 3, (2) Female college students' SA at time 1, time 2, and time 3 was more serious than that of male college students, (3) There were reciprocal relationships between MIL and college students' SA, (4) The influence of MIL on female college students' SA was significantly stronger than that of male college students, and (5) The influence of SA on female college students' MIL was significantly stronger than that of male college students.

Conclusion

This study showed reciprocal relationships between MIL and SA among male college students and female college students. The findings further deepen our understanding of the relationship between MIL and SA and provide a gender perspective for preventing or intervening with college students' SA.

Relationship between depression, smartphone addiction, and sleep among Chinese engineering students during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Existing research has demonstrated that depression is positively related to smartphone addiction, but the role of sleep has not been discussed thoroughly, especially among engineering undergraduates affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

AIM

To evaluate sleep as a mediator of the association between smartphone addiction and depression among engineering undergraduates.

METHODS

Using a multistage stratified random sampling method, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 692 engineering undergraduates from a top engineering university in China, and data were collected by self-reported electronic questionnaires. The data included demographic characteristics, such as age, gender, the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the association between smartphone addiction and depression, while structural equation models were established to evaluate the possible mediating role of sleep.

RESULTS

Based on the cutoffs of the SAS-SV, the rate of smartphone addiction was 63.58 percent, with 56.21 percent for women and 65.68 percent for men, among 692 engineering students. The prevalence of depression among students was 14.16 percent, with 17.65 percent for women, and 13.18 percent for men. Smartphone addiction was positively correlated with depression, and sleep played a significant mediating effect between the two, accounting for 42.22 percent of the total effect. In addition, sleep latency, sleep disturbances, and daytime dysfunction significantly mediated the relationship between depression and smartphone addiction. The mediating effect of sleep latency was 0.014 [P < 0.01; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.006-0.027], the mediating effect of sleep disturbances was 0.022 (P < 0.01; 95%CI: 0.011-0.040), and the mediating effect of daytime dysfunction was 0.040 (P < 0.01; 95%CI: 0.024-0.059). The influence of sleep latency, sleep disturbances, and daytime dysfunction accounted for 18.42%, 28.95%, and 52.63% of the total mediating effect, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study suggest that reducing excessive smartphone use and improving sleep quality can help alleviate depression.

A cross-lagged study of the associations among problematic smartphone use, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation in chinese university students

The present study aimed to investigate the longitudinal and reciprocal relationships among problematic smartphone use (PSU), depressive symptoms (DS), and suicidal ideation (SI) in Chinese university students. Using a cross-lagged design, the Mobile Phone Addiction Inventory Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the Self-Rating Idea of Suicide Scale as research instruments, 194 university students completed a questionnaire four consecutive times. June of Year 1, December of Year 2, June of Year 2, and December of Year 3 of their college study. We refer to these as the Time 1 (T1), Time 2 (T2), Time 3 (T3), and Time 4 (T4) assessments, respectively. The levels of PSU and DS fluctuated significantly over time. DS at T1 was significantly predicted to influence SI at T2 (β = 0.17, p < .05); DS at T3 was significantly predicted by PSU and by SI at T2 (respectively, β = 0.30, p < .05; β = 0.21, p < .05); DS at T2 significantly predicted PSU at T3 (β = 0.14, p < .05); and DS at T3 significantly predicted SI at T4 (β = 0.14, p < .05) in the cross-lagged pathway. DS at T3 fully mediated the relationship between PSU at T2 and SI at T4 (indirect effect: β = 0.133, 95% CI = [0.063, 0.213]). The results suggest that there is a reciprocal relationship between PSU and DS and, furthermore, that DS plays an important mediating role between PSU and SI. Our results suggest the importance of early identification and treatment of SI. Timely reduction of PSU and improvement of DS among university students may help prevent SI.

Mobile Phone Addiction and Sleep Quality: The Mediating Role of Anxiety and the Moderating Role of Emotion Regulation

Smartphones have become a fundamental tool in the daily life of mankind, but its excessive use seriously impairs people’s quality of sleep. A specific state of emotion has been shown to play a crucial role in the relationship between mobile phone addiction (MPA) and the sleep quality of college students. However, studies have rarely considered top-down emotion regulation. This study is the first to examine the effects of MPA on the sleep quality of Chinese college students from a top-down emotion regulation perspective. The survey sample comprised 1559 university students (40.73% male; M (SD) age = 19.11 (1.22) years) who completed questionnaires on MPA, sleep quality, anxiety and emotion regulation. The results revealed that (1) Anxiety mediated the relationship between MPA and sleep quality; (2) Cognitive reappraisal (CR) negatively moderated the relationship between MPA and anxiety; and (3) Expressive suppression (ES) positively moderated the relationship between MPA and anxiety. These findings reveal the mechanism of sleep problems in Chinese college students. We provide research ideas and method guidance for the follow-up intervention and treatment of college students’ sleep problems.

Offline and online basic need satisfaction and smartphone use behaviors: A mediation model

Based on the self-determination theory, this study compared the offline and online need satisfaction during the COVID-19 period and investigated how the fulfilment experienced in the different settings affected an individual's smartphone use outcomes. 546 Chinese undergraduate students participated in the study and were measured with their levels of offline and online basic need satisfaction, smartphone use patterns, and problematic smartphone use. The results showed that offline basic need satisfaction negatively predicted problematic smartphone use via the information seeking pattern, whereas online basic need satisfaction positively predicted problematic smartphone use via the use patterns of transaction and entertainment. Our study expands the research scope of the pertinent topic and pinpoints the mechanism between the basic need satisfaction and problematic smartphone use.

Mobile Phone Addiction and Sleep Quality among Older People: The Mediating Roles of Depression and Loneliness

Rapid social development has made the elderly increasingly dependent on mobile phones, and mobile phone addiction has a negative effect on sleep quality. The underlying mechanism between the two is unclear. This study examined the mediating role of depression and loneliness in the relationship between phone addiction and sleep quality in older adults. Mobile Phone Addiction Scale Short Version, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scale, UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles)-8 Loneliness Scale, and Short Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) were used to investigate 459 older adults in China. The results showed that there was a positive correlation between mobile phone addiction and sleep quality in the elderly. In addition, depression and loneliness partially mediated the relationship between mobile phone addiction and sleep quality in older adults. The current study provides new insights into the impact of mobile phone addiction on sleep quality and the importance of depression and loneliness in older adults. The limitations and significance of this study are discussed.

Association between smartphone overdependence and generalized anxiety disorder among Korean adolescents

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the association between smartphone overdependence and generalized anxiety disorder among South Korean adolescents.

METHODS

Participants were selected from the Korean Youth Health Behavior Survey 2020. The primary dependent variable was the generalized anxiety disorder that was measured based on seven item instrument (GAD-7). The main exposure of interest was the smartphone overdependence using the integrated scale developed by the National Information Society Agency in Korea. Weighted chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used to assess the association between smartphone overdependence and generalized anxiety disorder.

RESULTS

The final participants comprised of 54,948 middle and high school students. 13,775 students (25.1 %) were classified as the smartphone overdependence group. Of those who reported overly dependent on smartphones, 2803 students (20.3 %) had generalized anxiety disorder. The risk for generalized anxiety disorder were 2.15 folds (95 % CI 2.01-2.30) higher among the overdependence group in compared to their counterparts. Specifically, the risk for generalized anxiety disorder increased when smartphone has negatively affected relationships with friends and colleagues (OR: 2.35, 95 % CI 2.08-2.64). The sensitivity of smartphone overdependence scale was verified and the risk for generalized anxiety disorder increased in magnitude with the severity of smartphone overdependence.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the study showed significant association between smartphone overdependence and generalized anxiety disorder among South Korean adolescents. The negative changes in social relationships due to excessive smartphone use and the severity of overdependence accounted for the risk for generalized anxiety disorder.

Resilience and problematic smartphone use: a moderated mediation model

BACKGROUND

Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is adversely correlated with resilience. To completely comprehend the mechanism underlying this relationship, however, more investigation is required.

METHODS

For this cross-sectional study, the method of stratified random cluster sampling was applied. 834 Chinese undergraduate students (aged 17 to 24) were recruited, and self-reported questionnaires were administered to measure their levels of resilience, perceived social support, the sense of school belonging, and habitual and problematic smartphone use.

RESULTS

The findings showed that resilience both directly and indirectly predicted PSU through perceived social support and the sense of school belonging. Additionally, there were significant moderating effects of habitual smartphone use between resilience and perceived social support, the sense of school belonging, and PSU.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research identified the negative influence of resilience on PSU, and specifically, highlighted the mediation effects of perceived social support and the sense of school belonging. Of significance, we also found the moderation effect of habitual smartphone use in the development of PSU.

Negative School Gossip and Youth Adolescents' Mobile Phone Addiction: Mediating Roles of Anxiety and Experiential Avoidance

Being the target of negative school gossip, a form of relational aggression, has been shown to be associated with psychological and behavioral problems in youth adolescents. Based on the experience avoidance model, this study tested the association between negative school gossip and youth adolescents' mobile phone addiction, and the serial mediation roles of anxiety and experience avoidance in this relationship. Junior high school students (N = 837; ages 12-15; 50% girls) completed the Negative School Gossip Scale, Anxiety Scale, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), and Mobile Phone Addiction Scale in their classrooms. The results of regression-based analyses showed that after controlling for age and gender, (1) negative school gossip was significantly associated with mobile phone addiction; (2) anxiety and experience avoidance each significantly mediated this association; (3) anxiety and experience avoidance serially mediated this association. The results support the experience avoidance model and highlight emotional factors as an internal mechanism by which negative school gossip is associated with youth adolescents' mobile phone addiction. The results also have implications for preventing and reducing youth adolescents' mobile phone addiction.

Adolescent resilience and mobile phone addiction in Henan Province of China: Impacts of chain mediating, coping style

BACKGROUND

As mobile phone use grows, so it brings benefits and risks. As an important part of adolescents healthy growth, resilience plays an indispensable role. Thus, it is important to identify when mobile phone use of an adolescent becomes an addiction. This study proposed to explore the effects of adolescent resilience on mobile phone addiction, and tested the mediating role of coping style and depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS) on phone addiction among 2,268 adolescents in the Henan province, China.

METHODS

The adolescents were surveyed via an online questionnaire, a mobile phone addiction index (MPAI), a depression, anxiety, and stress scale with 21 items (DASS-21), the Resilience Scale for Chinese Adolescents (RSCA), and the Simplified coping style questionnaire (SCSQ), and we used structural equation modeling to examine the correlations and moderation effects. All data analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0 and Amos 23.0.

RESULTS

The results show that adolescences resilience were negatively related to negative coping, DASS, and mobile phone addiction; both coping style and DASS could mediate the relationship between adolescent resilience and mobile phone addiction among Chinese adolescents. The relationship between adolescent resilience and mobile phone addiction in Chinese adolescents was mediated by the chain of coping styles and DASS.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a negative relationship which exists between resilience and mobile phone addiction in this population. In addition, stress, anxiety, depression, and coping style significantly influence the risk of adolescent mobile phone addiction and play an intermediary role in Chinese adolescent resilience and mobile phone addiction.

The Impact of Parental Migration on Multidimensional Health of Children in Rural China: The Moderating Effect of Mobile Phone Addiction

Improving physical, mental and cognitive health is a strategic choice to help developing countries cross the middle-income trap. This paper used data from the 2019 China Rural Children Health and Nutrition Survey (n = 826), and used the Ordered Probit (Oprobit), Logit and ordinary least squares (OLS) analytical methods to systematically analyze the implications of parental migration on multidimensional health. The results indicate that parental migration significantly harms the physical and mental health of rural children, and that mobile phone addiction has a significant moderating effect. Moreover, parental migration has a greater impact on the physical health, mental health and cognitive ability of boys and rural children with low family income, while parents with higher nutrition knowledge and education can effectively improve the physical health and cognitive ability of their children. In conclusion, in order to improve the multidimensional health of rural children, the government should strengthen the policy of care and support for children whose parents migrate. Schools and families should pay attention to the supervision of rural children's mobile phone addiction.

How mobile phone addiction is associated with suicidal ideation in university students in China: Roles of depression and online social support

Background

Recent studies have highlighted mobile phone addiction (MPA) as a potential risk of suicidal ideation. However, the mechanisms underlying that association require attention.

Objective

This investigation aims to examine whether the relationship between MPA and suicidal ideation would be mediated by depression, and buffered by online social support (OSS) in university students.

Methods

A convenient sample of 1,042 Chinese university students completed the measures of mobile phone addiction, depression, suicidal ideation, OSS in classroom settings. Moderated mediation analyses were performed to test the roles of depression and OSS in the association between MPA and suicidal ideation.

Results

MPA was positively associated with suicidal ideation through depression (indirect effect =. 23, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.28, p < 0.001); OSS moderated the association between depression and suicidal ideation (B = - 0.09, 95% CI: -0.13, -0.04, p < 0.001). Specifically, the effect of depression on suicidal ideation was weaker in individuals with high (versus low) OSS. OSS moderated the association between MPA and suicidal ideation (B = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.10, p = 0.001). The influence of MPA on suicidal ideation was non-significant among individuals with high OSS but negatively significant among students with low OSS.

Conclusion

The results enrich the understanding of how MPA may increase suicidal ideation, and highlight the potential importance of reducing depression and enhancing OSS to prevent suicidal ideation in university students.

Trait Mindfulness and Physical Health among Chinese Middle-Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Mental Health

Few studies have focused on the specific effects of trait mindfulness on physical health status, especially from a resilient aging perspective. This study examined the mediating role of mental health in the association between trait mindfulness and physical health status among middle-older adults in urban China. The participants included 188 individuals who were recruited from a community senior university and five community senior care centers. The findings reveal: (1) trait mindfulness has a strong effect on two physical health indicators (self-rated physical health and subjective sleep quality); (2) mental health is a significant mediator in the relationship between trait mindfulness and physical health status; and (3) the mediation role of mental health is more evident in the self-rated physical health model (24.15%) than subjective sleep quality (18.10%). This study improves our knowledge of how trait mindfulness can lead to a better physical health in middle-older adults and can lead to the development of social value communication and effective prevention.

How and for Whom Is Mobile Phone Addiction Associated with Mind Wandering: The Mediating Role of Fatigue and Moderating Role of Rumination

With the increasing prevalence of mobile phone addiction, mobile phone addiction has been considered a prominent risk factor for internalizing or externalizing problems, such as psychological distress and irrational procrastination. However, few studies shed light on the effect of mobile phone addiction on mind wandering and the underlying mechanisms. This study speculated that the direct effect of mobile phone addiction on mind wandering may be linked to fatigue and that the level of an individual's personality characteristics, such as rumination, may influence both the direct and indirect effects of mobile phone addiction on mind wandering. To test these hypotheses, we recruited 1811 college students to complete the self-report questionnaires. The results indicated that mobile phone addiction was positively associated with mind wandering. This direct effect could be mediated by fatigue, and both the direct and indirect effects of mobile phone addiction on mind wandering could be moderated by rumination. Specifically, both the direct and indirect effects were stronger for students with high rumination. These findings enrich our understanding of how, why, and for whom mobile phone addiction is correlated with mind wandering.

Nomophobia in today’s overlapping work and family domains: The influences on organizational identification

Drawing on attentional control theory, this study addresses the influences of nomophobia (no-mobile-phone-phobia) on organizational identification and work-family conflict. It also examines the mediation role of work-family conflict in the relationship between nomophobia and organizational identification. Its hypotheses were tested using data from 398 teachers employed in public and private schools. The results revealed that by disrupting cognitive and perceptual processes, nomophobia contributes to conflicts between employees’ roles in their work and family domains, and eventually prevents them from identifying with organizational goals and values. The results also confirmed the mediation role of work-family conflict. By adopting a pure psychological approach (i.e., attentional control theory), as a new and different perspective for the organizational behavior and work-family conflict literatures, the findings are expected to contribute to increasing the awareness of organizations about negative attitudes and behaviors of nomophobic employees and highlight the needs of nomophobic employees for appropriate social and psychological supports.

Parenting and mobile phone addiction tendency of Chinese adolescents: The roles of self-control and future time perspective

Previous studies examined the impact of parenting on adolescents' mobile phone addiction tendencies. However, relatively few studies examined the potential mechanism underlying such a relationship. Thus, the present study further explored the mediation effect of self-control and the moderating effect of future time perspective between parenting and mobile phone addiction tendencies of Chinese adolescents. A sample of 1,349 Chinese adolescents (M_age = 15. 22 years, SD = 0.79) responded to the anonymous questionnaires regarding parenting, including parental control and parental care, self-control, future time perspective, and mobile phone addiction tendency. The results showed that (1) parental control was positively related to adolescents' mobile phone addiction tendencies, while parental care was negatively related to adolescents' mobile phone addiction tendencies; (2) self-control could mediate the pathway from both parental control and parental care to adolescents' mobile phone addiction tendencies; and (3) the indirect pathway could be moderated by future time perspective. Specifically, a high future time perspective combined with high self-control predicted a low level of mobile phone addiction tendency. In contrast, low self-control was associated with a high tendency toward mobile phone addiction, regardless of their future time perspective. The present study revealed a complex interplay between family and individual factors contributing to adolescents' mobile phone addiction tendencies.

Longitudinal associations of the duration of mobile phone use with suicidal behavior in adolescents: The mediating role of depressive symptoms

BACKGROUND

Prolonged mobile phone use has been demonstrated to be associated with mental health problems and suicidal behavior in adolescents. This study examined the mediating role of depressive symptoms in the association between duration of mobile phone use (DMPU) and suicidal behavior in adolescents.

METHODS

A total of 6,923 participants from the Shandong Adolescent Behavior & Health Cohort (SABHC) were included in the analysis. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire to assess DMPU on weekdays and weekends, mental disorders, insomnia symptoms, depressive symptoms, suicidal behavior (thought, plan, or attempt), and family demographics in November-December 2015. One year later, a follow-up survey was conducted to ask participants to report their depressive symptoms and suicidal behavior. Path analyses with logistic regressions were performed to examine the mediating role of depressive symptoms in the DMPU-suicidal behavior link.

RESULTS

Of the sample, mean age was 14.58 (SD = 1.45) and 3,455 (49.9 %) were female at baseline. 12.12 % of participants reported having ever suicidal behavior during the past 12 months at baseline, and 10.63 % reported having ever suicidal behavior during 1-year follow-up. Path analyses showed that the depressive symptoms played a partial mediating role in the association of DMPU on weekdays and weekends with subsequent suicidal behavior. After controlling for covariates, depressive symptoms accounted for 33.6 % and 58.6 % of the total effect of DMPU on weekdays and weekends on suicidal behavior, respectively.

LIMITATION

All variables were measured based on self-report.

CONCLUSIONS

The link between DMPU and suicidal behavior was partially mediated by depressive symptoms. Prolonged mobile phone use and depressive symptoms should be assessed and intervened to prevent suicidal behavior in adolescents.

The impact of psychological distress on problematic smartphone use among college students: The mediating role of metacognitions about smartphone use

A mediation model was constructed to clarify the relationship and mechanisms linking psychological distress to problematic smartphone use (PSU), focusing on the mediating role of metacognitions about smartphone use. A questionnaire method was used to investigate psychological distress, metacognitions about smartphone use, and problematic smartphone use among 664 college students. The results showed that (1) psychological distress had a significant positive predictive effect on problematic smartphone use, and (2) there were differences in the underlying mechanisms linking different types of psychological distress to problematic smartphone use. Specifically, negative metacognition about smartphone use partially mediated the relationship between depression and problematic smartphone use, whereas anxiety could act on problematic smartphone use through the parallel mediation of positive metacognition about smartphone use and negative metacognition about smartphone use, with the latter having a greater positive mediating effect than the former. These findings reveal the mechanism of action linking different types of psychological distress to problematic smartphone use from the perspective of the cognitive-behavioral model of pathological Internet use, which has implications for the prevention and intervention of problematic smartphone use among college students.

Mobile phone addiction and depressive symptoms among Chinese University students: The mediating role of sleep disturbances and the moderating role of gender

Background

With the continuous updating of mobile phone functions, the phenomenon of mobile phone addiction among University students is becoming more and more serious. It is important to identify the potential risk factors for mobile phone addiction. The aim of the study was to examine whether there is a relationship between mobile phone addiction and depression symptoms in University students, and to investigate whether sleep disturbances play a mediating role between mobile phone addiction and depression symptoms, as well as the moderating role of gender.

Methods

A cross-sectional study, carried out between September to December 2021, recruited 973 students (478 males) from seven comprehensive universities in western China. The Mobile Phone Addiction Index (MPAI), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to complete measures of mobile phone addiction, depressive symptoms, and sleep disturbances. For statistical analyses, descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, mediation and moderated mediation analyses were used. Furthermore, we tested the mediation model and moderated mediation model using the SPSS macro PROCESS.

Results

In this study, it was found that there were positive correlations between mobile phone addiction and depressive symptoms among Chinese University students. Mediation analyses revealed that this relationship was partially mediated by sleep disturbances, but the mediating role was not moderated by gender.

Conclusion

Sleep disturbances have a partial mediating role in the relationship between mobile phone addiction and depressive symptoms. Our results highlight the critical role of prevention and early identification of mobile phone addiction among University students, especially those with sleep disturbances.

Effects of short-video use on undergraduates’ weight- loss intention: a regulatory mediation model

This research intends to explore the effects of short video use on college students’ weight loss intentions, and its intrinsic mechanism of action, based on the responses of 1268 students from three universities in southwest China to questionnaires with the instruments of a sports participation scale, body image scale, self-esteem scale and weight loss intention scale. The findings are listed as follows: 1) Short video use can significantly and positively predict weight loss intention; 2) Body image mediates the relationship between short video usage and weight loss intentions; 3) Self-esteem plays a regulatory effect as the direct path between short video use and weight loss intention as well as partial mediation effect of body image. The direct effect of short video use on weight loss intentions and the mediating effect of body image gradually increased with the decrease of self-esteem. The results of the study suggest that short video use can affect the weight loss intentions of college students through either a direct or indirect path created by the mediating role of body image. Meanwhile, the influence of self-esteem on weight loss intention can’t be ignored, which is another key factor that affects college students’ weight loss intentions beyond short video use and body image.

Parent-child relationship and problematic smartphone use among chinese adolescents: a moderated mediation model

To explore the influence and mechanism of parent-child relationship on adolescents' problematic smartphone use, a sample of 3355 Chinese adolescents (M age=16.93, SD = 0.49, range: 14-19 years old; 48% boys) is recruited to measure parent-child relationship, problematic smartphone use, personal growth initiative, and school belonging. The results are as follows. (1) After controlling for gender, age and time spent online per day, parent-child relationship is negatively correlated with problematic smartphone use, and the negative association between parent-child relationship and problematic smartphone use is mediated by the personal growth initiative. (2) The association between parent-child relationship and problematic smartphone use, the association between parent-child relationship and personal growth initiative, and the association between personal growth initiative and problematic smartphone use are all moderated by school belonging and are stronger in adolescents with a high level of school belonging. The present study highlights the mediating role of personal growth initiative and the moderating role of school belonging in the association between parent-child relationship and problematic smartphone use. This study also contributes to a better understanding of the effects, paths, and conditions of parent-child relationship on the problematic smartphone use of adolescents and provides constructive suggestions for preventing adolescents' problematic smartphone use in the mobile Internet era.

The Influence of Acute Aerobic Exercise on Craving Degree for University Students with Mobile Phone Dependency: A Randomized Controlled Trial

These days, mobile phone dependency (MPD) has become one of the most imperative and impressive puzzles in the area of behavioral addictions and public health across the world, especially the individuals with MPD that might frequently crave using mobile phones themselves. The target of the current study was to determine whether moderate-intensity aerobic exercise could reduce the craving degree for mobile phones for university students with MPD by a randomized, controlled trial. Sixty Chinese undergraduates, including 30 male and 30 female students aged from 18 to 22 years (20.08 ± 1.94 years) with MPD were recruited and then randomly assigned to the exercise group (n = 30) or the control group (n = 30) with even numbers by gender and major. Participants in the exercise group were required to perform an acute moderate-intensity treadmill exercise lasting for 30 min at 45−68% heart rate reserve (HRR) with background music, while the control group were only asked to listen to the same music for 40 min without any exercise. Sport watches were employed to monitor their heart rate (HR), and the exercise group was also obliged to report their rating of perceived exertion (RPE). After completing the experimental task, a visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate their craving degree for mobile phones, and an independent samples t-test was computed to reveal the difference in the scores of craving degree for mobile phones between the two groups. The results showed that the VAS score for the exercise group (3.77 ± 1.36) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than that of the control group (6.11 ± 1.39). The findings suggested that acute moderate-intensity aerobic exercise could be an effective and reliable means to help deal with the issue of mobile phones craving for the undergraduates with MPD, and more longitudinal intervention studies and control trial designs should be conducted in the near future to further test the long-term effects of this exercise.