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Mei Z, Zhang Y, Fan Q, Luo S, Luo S. The effects of mobile phone dependence on athletic performance and its mechanisms. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1391258. [PMID: 38817835 PMCID: PMC11138105 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1391258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Mobile phone dependence (also known as internet dependence, MPD), defined as a problematic behavior characterized by excessive use or intermittent craving to use a mobile phone, results in various social, behavioral, and affective problems in daily life. In sports, MPD is directly related to the physical and mental health and sports performance of athletes. The individual and environmental factors, neurobiological mechanisms and theoretical models of MPD affecting athletic performance were analyzed by reviewing previous studies, aiming to construct effective training and development protocols to prevent and control the occurrence of MPD in athletes. At present, athletic performance can be affected by MPD through individual factors and environmental factors. The neurobiological mechanisms between the two are based on the brain reward system and microwave radiation from mobile phones, with athletic performance being restricted by alterations in the corresponding brain regions. Relevant theoretical models mainly include the social cognitive model of self-regulation and the integrative model of self-control, which explain the interrelationship between MPD and athletic performance from the perspectives of athletes' self-regulation and self-control, respectively. As an emerging phenomenon, the influence pathways and mechanisms by which MPD affects athletic performance need to be further investigated. A longitudinal perspective should be adopted to trace the dynamic impact relationship between the two, and developing relevant theoretical frameworks from an interdisciplinary research perspective should be valuable for providing theoretical support for coaches and sports administrators to formulate scientific training protocols and thus improve the mental health of athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Shi Luo
- School of Physical Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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2
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Chen Z, Xiong J, Ma H, Hu Y, Bai J, Wu H, Wang Y. 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. SSM Popul Health 2024; 25:101567. [PMID: 38524176 PMCID: PMC10958643 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihan Chen
- Department of Social Medicine, College of Health Management, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Jiexi Xiong
- Department of Social Medicine, College of Health Management, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Hongfei Ma
- Department of Social Medicine, College of Health Management, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Yunan Hu
- Department of Social Medicine, College of Health Management, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Junni Bai
- Department of Social Medicine, College of Health Management, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Hui Wu
- Department of Social Medicine, College of Health Management, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Social Medicine, College of Health Management, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
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Liang Y, Huang H, Ding Y, Zhang Y, Lu G, Chen C. The Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Mobile Phone Addiction Among Mainland Chinese Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis. Psychol Rep 2024; 127:5-39. [PMID: 35722969 DOI: 10.1177/00332941221109115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the problem of mobile phone addiction (MPA) has become increasingly serious among mainland Chinese adolescents. Studies have found that self-esteem may be related to MPA, but the conclusions are inconsistent. Consequently, this meta-analysis aims to explore the real relationship between self-esteem and MPA, and analyze the moderator variables. The relevant studies used in meta-analysis were obtained by searching China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang Data, Chongqing VIP Information Co., Ltd. (VIP), PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Medline and Embase. Then articles were screened and coded, and statistical analysis was carried out by Stata 16.0 software. A total of 45,765 participants from 64 articles were included in the research. Meta-analysis showed that there was a moderate negative correlation between self-esteem and MPA(r = -.25, 95%CI = -.29, -.21). Subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis showed that the age and publication time can significantly moderate the relationship between self-esteem and MPA, but MPA measurement instrument, gender, region and publication type have no significant moderating effect. The current meta-analysis provided solid evidence that self-esteem was negatively correlated with MPA. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the causality between them, so as to make more specific practice and policy recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipei Liang
- School of business, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Haitao Huang
- Institute of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Yueming Ding
- Institute of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Yiming Zhang
- Institute of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Guangli Lu
- School of business, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Chaoran Chen
- Institute of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
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Yang LL, Guo C, Li GY, Gan KP, Luo JH. Mobile phone addiction and mental health: the roles of sleep quality and perceived social support. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1265400. [PMID: 37809316 PMCID: PMC10556235 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1265400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Lin Yang
- School of Law and Political Science, Yunnan University of Finance and Economics, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Chen Guo
- School of Law and Political Science, Yunnan University of Finance and Economics, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Geng-Yin Li
- School of Law and Political Science, Yunnan University of Finance and Economics, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Kai-Peng Gan
- School of Law and Political Science, Yunnan University of Finance and Economics, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jin-Huan Luo
- School of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Yuxi Normal University, Yuxi, Yunnan, China
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Li Y, Yue P, Zhang M. Alexithymia and Internet Addiction in Children: Meaning in Life as Mediator and Reciprocal Filial Piety as Moderator. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:3597-3606. [PMID: 37693333 PMCID: PMC10488795 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s423200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore the psychological mechanism between alexithymia and Internet addiction, the present study constructed a moderated mediation model based on the problem behavior theory. Methods A total of 899 middle school students (Mage=13.95, SD=1.10) were surveyed using the 20-item Toronto-alexithymia-scale, meaning in life questionnaire, dual filial piety scale, and Internet addiction disorder diagnostic scale. Results First, alexithymia was significantly negatively correlated with meaning in life and reciprocal filial piety, and positively correlated with Internet addiction; meaning in life was significantly positively correlated with reciprocal filial piety, and negatively correlated with Internet addiction; reciprocal filial piety was significantly positively correlated with authoritarian filial piety, and negatively correlated with Internet addiction. Second, alexithymia could not only directly predict Internet addiction, but also indirectly predict Internet addiction through meaning in life. Third, reciprocal filial piety played a moderating role between meaning in life and Internet addiction, while authoritarian filial piety did not. For middle school students with low reciprocal filial piety, meaning in life can negatively predict Internet addiction; for those with high reciprocal filial piety, there is no correlation between meaning in life and Internet addiction. Conclusion This study reveals the internal mechanism of the relationship between alexithymia and Internet addiction in middle school students, emphasizes the role of positive psychology and family environment, and provides specific evidence and theoretical guidance for preventing Internet addiction in middle school students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Li
- College of Sports Medicine, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430079, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Yue
- Institute of Education Sciences, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, Hubei, 435002, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Education Sciences, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, Henan, 464000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Zhang
- Institute of Education Sciences, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, Henan, 466001, People’s Republic of China
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Chen C, Shen Y, Lv S, Wang B, Zhu Y. The relationship between self-esteem and mobile phone addiction among college students: The chain mediating effects of social avoidance and peer relationships. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1137220. [PMID: 37123288 PMCID: PMC10134861 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1137220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mobile phone addiction has a negative impact on the physical and mental health of college students, which has attracted extensive attention from scholars. Methods In this study, we investigated the mechanism of the influence of self-esteem on mobile phone addiction among 694 college students using the Self-Esteem Scale, the Mobile Phone. Addiction Scale, the Peer Relationship Scale and the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale. Results The results showed that (1) self-esteem significantly and negatively predicted mobile phone addiction; (2) self-esteem influenced mobile phone addiction through the mediating effect of social avoidance; (3) self-esteem influenced mobile phone addiction through the mediating effect of peer relationships; and (4) social avoidance and peer relationships played a chain mediating role in the influence of self-esteem on mobile phone addiction. Discussion These findings can help researchers and educators better understand the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between self-esteem and mobile phone addiction and to provide practical and effective operational suggestions for the prevention and intervention of mobile phone addiction among college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmei Chen
- Teachers College, Jimei University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yuanyi Shen
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Shuai Lv
- Institute of Education, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Office of Development Planning, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yujie Zhu
- School of Marine Culture and Law, Jimei University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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Gori A, Topino E. The Association between Alexithymia and Social Media Addiction: Exploring the Role of Dysmorphic Symptoms, Symptoms Interference, and Self-Esteem, Controlling for Age and Gender. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13010152. [PMID: 36675813 PMCID: PMC9865469 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13010152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the popularity of social media and the growing presence of these tools in the daily lives of individuals, research about the elements that can be linked to their problematic use appears to be of great importance. The objective of this study was to investigate the factors that may contribute to the levels of social media addiction, by focusing on the role of alexithymia, body image concern, and self-esteem, controlled for age and gender. A sample of 437 social media users (32.5% men, 67.5% women; Mage = 33.44 years, SD = 13.284) completed an online survey, including the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Body Image Concern Inventory, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Twenty-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, together with a demographic questionnaire. Results showed a significant association between alexithymia and social media addiction, with the total mediation of body image concern (and more in detail, body dissatisfaction) and the significant moderation of self-esteem. Gender and age showed significant effects in these relationships. Such findings may offer further insights into the field of clinical research on social media addiction and may provide useful information for effective clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Gori
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Via di San Salvi 12, Pad. 26, 50135 Firenze, Italy
- Integrated Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Institute (IPPI), Via Ricasoli 32, 50122 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Eleonora Topino
- Department of Human Sciences, LUMSA University of Rome, Via della Traspontina 21, 00193 Rome, Italy
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Li Y, Lin S, Yang X, Sheng J, Wang L, Han Y, Cao Y, Chen J. A Vicious Cycle: The Reciprocal Longitudinal Relationship Between Social Rejection, Social Avoidance, and Smartphone Addiction Among Adolescents. Int J Ment Health Addict 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-023-01007-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
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Ding Y, Wan X, Lu G, Huang H, Liang Y, Yu J, Chen C. The associations between smartphone addiction and self-esteem, self-control, and social support among Chinese adolescents: A meta-analysis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1029323. [PMID: 36420390 PMCID: PMC9677120 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1029323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Smartphone addiction has become a social problem that affects the healthy growth of adolescents, and it is frequently reported to be correlated with self-esteem, self-control, and social support among adolescents. Methods A meta-analysis was conducted by searching the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WANFANG DATA, and Chongqing VIP Information Co., Ltd. (VIP) databases. Stata 16.0 was used to analyse the overall effect and test the moderating effect. Results Fifty-six studies were included, involving a total of 42,300 participants. Adolescents' smartphone addiction had a moderately negative correlation with self-esteem (r = -0.25, 95% CI = -0.29 to -0.22, p < 0.001), a strong negative correlation with self-control (r = -0.48, 95% CI = -0.53 to -0.42, p < 0.001), and a weak negative correlation with social support (r = -0.16, 95% CI = -0.23 to -0.09, p < 0.001). Moderation analysis revealed that the correlation between adolescents' smartphone addiction and self-esteem was strongest when smartphone addiction was measured with the Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale for College Students (MPATS; r = -0.38). The correlation between adolescents' smartphone addiction and self-control was strongest when self-control was measured with the Middle school students' Self-control Ability Questionnaire (MSAQ; r = -0.62). The effect of dissertations on smartphone addiction, self-control, and social support among adolescents was significantly larger than that of journal articles. The correlation between adolescents' smartphone addiction and social support was strongest when smartphone addiction was measured with the Mobile Phone Addiction Index (MPAI; r = -0.24). However, the correlations between adolescents' smartphone addiction and self-esteem, self-control, and social support were not affected by age or gender. Conclusion There was a strong relationship between smartphone addiction and self-esteem, self-control, and social support among adolescents. In the future, longitudinal research should be carried out to better investigate the dynamic changes in therelationship between smartphone addiction and self-esteem, self-control, and social support. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42022300061.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueming Ding
- Institute of Nursing and Health, School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xiao Wan
- Institute of Nursing and Health, School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Guangli Lu
- Institute of Business Administration, School of Business, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Haitao Huang
- Institute of Nursing and Health, School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yipei Liang
- Institute of Business Administration, School of Business, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Jingfen Yu
- Institute of Nursing and Health, School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Chaoran Chen
- Institute of Nursing and Health, School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
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Wang R, Yang R, Ran H, Xu X, Yang G, Wang T, Che Y, Fang D, Lu J, Xiao Y. Mobile phone addiction and non-suicidal self-injury among adolescents in China. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14057. [PMID: 36275469 PMCID: PMC9583854 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) has recently widely discussed. Independently, mobile phone addiction (MPA) has also attracted academic attention. A few research have examined the correlation between the two. However, there is inadequate knowledge to characterize this relationship altogether. This study further explores the correlation between MPA and NSSI, specifically repeated and severe NSSI. Method A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2,719 adolescents in Lincang, Yunnan. The mobile phone addiction index (MPAI) and the Modified Adolescents Self-Harm Survey (MASHS) were administered in combination. The connection between the MPAI and NSSI, as well as both repeated and severe NSSI, was studied using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. (The copyright holders have permitted the authors to use the MPAI and the MASHS). Results The prevalence of NSSI was 47.11% (95% CI [36.2-58.0%]), and the detection rate of MPA was 11.11% (95% CI [6.7-18.0%]). The prevalence of NSSI among those with MPA was 4.280 times (95% CI [3.480-5.266]) that of respondents not exhibiting MPA. In addition, all subscales of the MPAI, except for the feeling anxious and lost subscale (FALS), were positively correlated with NSSI. Risk factors, represented by odds ratios, of repeated NSSI with the inability to control cravings subscale (ICCS), the FALS, and the withdrawal and escape subscale (WES) was 1.052 (95% CI [1.032-1.072]), 1.028 (95% CI [1.006-1.051]), and 1.048 (95% CI [1.019-1.078]) respectively. Risk factors of these same three subscales for severe NSSI, had odds ratios of 1.048 (95% CI [1.029-1.068]), 1.033 (95% CI [1.009-1.057]), and 1.045 (95% CI [1.018-1.073]). Conclusion MPA was shown to be a risk factor for NSSI in adolescents. Individuals with high scores on the ICCS, the WES, and the FALS were more prone to experience repeated and severe NSSI. As a result, early assessment using the MPAI to determine the need for intervention can contribute to the prediction and prevention of NSSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Psychiatric Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China,Yunnan Clinical Research Center for Mental Health, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Runxu Yang
- Psychiatric Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China,Yunnan Clinical Research Center for Mental Health, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hailiang Ran
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiufeng Xu
- Psychiatric Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China,Yunnan Clinical Research Center for Mental Health, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Guangya Yang
- Psychiatric Department, Lincang Psychiatric Hospita, Lincang, Yunnan, China
| | - TianLan Wang
- Psychiatric Department, Lincang Psychiatric Hospita, Lincang, Yunnan, China
| | - Yusan Che
- Psychiatric Department, Lincang Psychiatric Hospita, Lincang, Yunnan, China
| | - Die Fang
- Psychiatric Department, Lincang Psychiatric Hospita, Lincang, Yunnan, China
| | - Jin Lu
- Psychiatric Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China,Yunnan Clinical Research Center for Mental Health, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xiao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Chu Y, Zhang Y, Yang D, Wang S, Liang C, Wang X, Dai H. Influence of family function on social anxiety among Chinese nursing students: The mediating role of alexithymia. Nurs Open 2022; 10:1356-1366. [PMID: 36168112 PMCID: PMC9912435 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS This study aims to explore the relationship between family function, alexithymia and social anxiety among Chinese nursing students, especially to determine whether alexithymia acts as a mediator between family function and social anxiety among this social group. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. METHODS From January to March 2021, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 204 Chinese nursing students at a nursing school of a medical university in the Northeastern Region of China. The interaction anxiousness scale, APGAR family function scale and Tronto alexithymia scale were used for measurement of social anxiety, perceived family function and alexithymia respectively. The data were subjected to correlation analysis, multiple linear regression and structural equation modelling (SEM). RESULTS Results indicated that social anxiety score was negatively correlated with perceived family function (r = -.232), but positively with alexithymia (r = .307). After controlling for demographic variables, family function and alexithymia could explain 14.5% of the total variance in social anxiety. The SEM results suggested that the effect of family function on social anxiety was partially mediated by alexithymia with a 36.9% mediating effect. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals that alexithymia might partially mediate the impact of family function and social anxiety in Chinese nursing students. In this sense, improvement of alexithymia is expected to be an effective strategy to ameliorate the severity social anxiety in Chinese nursing students, especially for those with a dysfunctional family context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Chu
- School of NursingJinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouChina
| | - Yuqiang Zhang
- The First Affiliated HospitalJinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouChina
| | - Dan Yang
- The First Affiliated HospitalJinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouChina
| | - Suyan Wang
- The Centre for Mental Health GuidanceJinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouChina
| | | | - Xue Wang
- School of NursingJinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouChina
| | - Hongliang Dai
- School of NursingJinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouChina
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