Smartphone Use and Physical Activity among College Students in Health Science-Related Majors in the United States and Thailand

Associations of smart device apps with and without a perceived self-efficacy component in a physical activity context with BMI

Smart device apps can be used to promote physical activity, decrease sedentariness, or increase self-efficacy to get active in college students, possibly reducing their obesity risk. This study assessed associations of college students' smart device use with body mass index (BMI), expecting associations between physical activity parameters and self-efficacy with BMI, moderated by app type. In an online survey, app data of a week from student's devices, weight, height, physical activity, and self-efficacy to get active were collected from 120 students. Apps were categorized "physical activity," "physical activity with a self-efficacy component," or "unrelated." Use time of physical activity apps is not associated with BMI, while self-efficacy app time show negative and unrelated app time positive associations. Self-efficacy may be an important component in app design for obesity risk reduction of college students. Test economy was low, which is why future studies need to concentrate on better data extraction methods.

Could physical activity alleviate smartphone addiction in university students? A systematic literature review

Objectives

Recently, the widespread surge in smartphone addiction (SA) has raised major global health concerns and prompted researchers to scrutinize the inverse relationship between physical activity (PA) and the risk of SA. This systematic literature review aims to synthesize the empirical research on the relationship between PA and SA among university students representing the most affected age group.

Methods

Adopting the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we explored five databases: PubMed, Social Sciences Research Network (SSRN), Oxford Research Archive, Journal Storage (JSTOR), and Google Scholar. We used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tools (MMAT) for quality assessment.

Results

Thirty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-eight of them were cross-sectional, and three were experimental. The 31 studies emerged from 12 countries, most stemming (45.16%) from China. Their findings suggest an inverse relationship between PA and SA in the examined population. However, the direct relationship may be weak based on correlational studies, while intervention research yields noteworthy effects. Still, other factors like resilience may mediate the studied relationship. Methodological concerns render the results of correlational studies tentative.

Conclusions

Regular PA could be a promising preventive measure for SA. Future work should use objective PA indices in longitudinal research designs while assessing the type and duration of smartphone applications used via device meters. In correlational studies, interviews should follow up on the high SA risk or too much device use. In conclusion, moderate evidence indicates that PA can reduce SA among university students.

Effects of aerobic exercise or Tai Chi Chuan interventions on problematic mobile phone use and the potential role of intestinal flora: A multi-arm randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Problematic use of mobile phones (PMPU) has been described as a serious public health issue.

METHODS

This study was a parallel three-arm randomized controlled trial and has completed registration (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05843591). Ninety college students with PMPU were randomly assigned to the aerobic exercise group (AE group, n = 30), the Tai Chi Chuan group (TCC group, n = 30), or the wait-list control group (WLC group, n = 30). At the end of the intervention, stool samples from the study participants were collected for biological analysis based on 16 S rDNA amplicon sequencing technology. The primary outcome was addiction symptoms assessed by the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV). The secondary outcomes are emotional symptoms, physical symptoms, and flora species.

RESULTS

Compared with the WLC group, the AE and TCC groups showed reductions in PMPU levels, physical and mental fatigue, but there was no difference between the two groups. Moreover, the effect of increasing self-esteem embodied in the TCC group was not present in the AE group. Compared to the WLC group, the relative abundance of Bacteroidaceae and Bacteroides were lower in the AE group, while the relative abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae and Alistipes were lower in the TCC group. And the relative abundance of Bacteroidaceae, Bacteroides, and Alistipes were significantly and negatively correlated with the decline in PMPU scores.

CONCLUSION

AE or TCC is an effective, safe and efficient intervention for college students with PMPU, providing some physiological and psychological benefits and having some impact on their intestinal flora.

Extent of Smartphone Addiction and its Association with Physical Activity Level, Anthropometric Indices, and Quality of Sleep in Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Smartphone addiction among young adults is a growing concern that is often underestimated despite its significant health hazards. The objective of this study was to assess the extent of smartphone addiction and its association with physical activity level, anthropometric indices, and quality of sleep in young adults.

Material and Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 138 allied health sciences undergraduates of a tertiary care medical school in Puducherry, South India. The participants' extent of smartphone addiction, physical activity, and sleep quality were assessed using the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively. Anthropometric indices (body mass index [BMI], waist-to-hip [W: H] ratio, waist-to-height [W: Ht] ratio, Conicity Index, and A Body Shape Index [ABSI]) were also measured following standardized procedures. Correlations between smartphone addiction, physical activity, anthropometric indices, and sleep quality were evaluated using Pearson's/Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result

Over 50% of participants showed smartphone addiction and poor sleep quality. Although a significant negative correlation was observed between SAS scores and physical activity levels, significant positive correlations were noted between SAS scores and BMI and SAS and PSQI scores.

Conclusion

Smartphone addiction is associated with decreased physical activity, increased BMI, and poor sleep quality in young adults.

Relationship between Anxiety and Problematic Smartphone Use in First-Year Junior High School Students: Moderated Mediation Effects of Physical Activity and School Adjustment

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Despite previous research identifying anxiety as a risk factor for problematic smartphone use among students, the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying the relationship between the two aforementioned variables are poorly understood. This study aims to explore the relationship between anxiety and problematic smartphone use among first-year junior high school students, together with the mediating effects of school adjustment and the moderating effects of physical activity on the mentioned relationship.

METHOD

This study was conducted using a Web-based self-report questionnaire survey with data collected from 445 first-year junior high school students in Jinan City, Shandong Province. Mediation and moderation analyses were performed using the PROCESS macro in SPSS.

RESULTS

The results showed that anxiety predicted problematic smartphone use not only directly but also indirectly via school adjustment. School adjustment played a partial mediating role in the relationship between anxiety and problematic smartphone use. Physical activity also played a moderating role in the relationship between anxiety and school adjustment.

CONCLUSION

school adjustment and physical activity may be important variables in the relationship between anxiety and problematic smartphone use.

Effects of sports on school adaptability, resilience and cell phone addiction tendency of high school students

BACKGROUND

Sport help promote healthy physical and mental development of high school students. To date, there have been few studies on the effect of sport on school adaptability, resilience and cell phone addiction tendency of high school students.

AIM

To explore the effects of sports on school adaptability, resilience and cell phone addiction of high school students.

METHODS

A stratified random sampling method was used to select 600 students from two high schools in Lhasa, and Physical Activity Rating Scale, School Adjustment Scale for High School Students, Chinese Adolescents Resilience Scale, and Mobile Phone Addiction Index were used for field questionnaire survey.

RESULTS

Sport was positively correlated with school adaptability and resilience (P < 0.01), school adaptability was positively correlated with resilience (P < 0.01) and cell phone addiction was negatively correlated with sports, school adaptability and resilience (P < 0.01). The direct effect of sport on cell phone addiction was significant (P < 0.001), accounting for 20.51% of the total effect. The mediating effect of school adaptability on sport and cell phone addiction was significant (P < 0.001), accounting for 17.38% and 35.36% of the total effect value, respectively. School adjustment and resilience had a significant chain-mediated effect on sport and cell phone addiction (P < 0.001), accounting for 26.75% of the total effect.

CONCLUSION

Sport affected the cell phone addiction tendency of senior high school students through the mediating effect of school adaptability and resilience, and through the chain mediation effect of both.

Current Status and Correlation of Physical Activity and Tendency to Problematic Mobile Phone Use in College Students

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of problematic mobile phone use on college students' physical activity and their relationships.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 3980 college students from three universities in Jiangsu province by random cluster sampling. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short (IPAQ-SF) measured college students' physical activity. The Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale for College Students (MPATS) measured problematic mobile phone use tendencies. College students' physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short (IPAQ-SF), and the Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale measured their mobile phone addiction tendency for College Students (MPATS).

RESULTS

(1) The proportions of the low-, medium-, and high-intensity physical activity were 83.5%, 10.7%, and 5.8%, respectively, with gender differences; The score of problematic mobile phone use tendency was 38.725 ± 15.139. (2) There were significant differences in problematic mobile phone use tendency among college students with different physical activity intensity (F = 11.839, p < 0.001, η² = 0.007). (3) The level of physical activity was significantly correlated with the tendency of problematic mobile phone use (r = -0.173, p < 0.001). (4) Physical activity of college students could significantly predict the tendency of problematic mobile phone use (F (3,3605) = 11.296, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The physical activity of college students was mainly moderate to low intensity, while the tendency of problematic mobile phone use was high. College students' physical activity level was one of the important constraints of problematic mobile phone use tendency.

Effects of Physical Exercise on Mobile Phone Addiction in College Students: The Chain Mediation Effect of Psychological Resilience and Perceived Stress

Smartphones have become an integral part of people's daily lives. While bringing convenience, mobile phone addiction caused by overuse of smart phones has become a common phenomenon among college students. The current study aimed to examine the serial mediating role of psychological resilience and perceived stress between physical exercise and mobile phone addiction of college students. Using the PARS-3 scale, CD-RISC-10 scale, PSS-10 scale, and MPA scale, 257 college students were investigated and Structural Equation Model (SEM) was conducted. The results show that: (1) Physical exercise has no significant direct impact on mobile phone addiction. (2) Psychological resilience has a significant mediating effect between physical exercise and mobile phone addiction. But perceived stress does not. (3) Psychological resilience and perceived stress play a chain mediation role. Physical exercise can enhance psychological resilience firstly, thus relieving perceived stress and eventually mitigating mobile phone addiction.

Analysis of the mediating effects of self-efficacy and self-control between physical activity and Internet addiction among Chinese college students

It explores the roles of self-efficacy and self-control in physical activity and Internet addiction. And it further provides a theoretical basis for the treatment and improvement of Internet addiction among college students. This study employs the whole group sampling method. The questionnaire was conducted on 855 college students from five universities in three provinces using the Physical Activity Level Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Self-Control Scale, and the Chinese Internet Addiction Scale (IAS). The analyses yielded three main findings. (1) A large amount of physical activity was helpful in reducing the symptoms of Internet addiction and the problematic status of each dimension among college students. (2) A large or moderate amount of physical activity was helpful in enhancing college students’ self-efficacy. Besides, a large amount of physical activity was likely to enhance college students’ self-control. (3) The condition of physical activity not only directly has the negative correlation with college students’ Internet addiction but also influences college students’ Internet addiction through two indirect ways: the mediating role of self-control and the chain mediating role of self-efficacy and self-control. These conclusions provide a deeper understanding of the protective factors of Internet addiction among Chinese college students.

Prevalence of smartphone addiction among Asian medical students: A meta-analysis of multinational observational studies

BACKGROUND

High prevalence of smartphone addiction among medical students may contribute to adverse physical and mental health outcomes.

AIM

To estimate the prevalence of smartphone addiction, and explore the influencing factors and related mental health symptoms of smartphone addiction among Asian medical students.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

PubMed (MEDLINE), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE were searched for relevant literature from the inception to September 10, 2021. Using Stata software 11.0, the meta-analysis of prevalence and the influencing factors of smartphone addiction were determined with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Nineteen articles, published between 2014 and 2019, were included, producing medical student studies from seven different Asian countries. The included studies were conducted in India (n = 11) and Malaysia (n = 3), with China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Nepal, and Iran each contributing one study. Among a total of 5,497 medical students, the participants included 3,214 females, of whom 2,181 were medical students with smartphone addiction. The prevalence of smartphone addiction among Asian medical students was 41.93% (95% CI [36.24%, 47.72%]). The influencing factors of smartphone addiction among medical students included gender, duration of smartphone use, smartphone function, and marital status. Ten studies (52.63%) explored related mental health symptoms of smartphone addiction among Asian medical students. Smartphone addiction was positively correlated with poor sleep quality (r = .17-.31), stress (r = .30-.40), anxiety, depression, neuroticism, and general health among Asian medical students.

CONCLUSION

Smartphone addiction is highly prevalent among Asian medical students. Smartphone addiction may adversely affect mental health, resulting in sleep disturbance, stress, anxiety, depression, and neuroticism. It is necessary to take appropriate precautionary actions and interventions to prevent smartphone overuse among medical students.

Association Between Time Spent on Electronic Devices and Body Mass Index in Young Adults

Objective

To evaluate the association between time spent on electronic devices (TSED) and body mass index in young adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2021 on 1877 students (aged 18–22 yrs) from multiple health Colleges of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. The main tools of the study were 1) Body mass index (BMI) and an online questionnaire. The subjects were categorized into 3 main groups based on their TSED: 1) Low TSED < 2 hours/day, 2) Medium TSED= 3 to 5 hours/day, 3) Excessive TSED ≥ 6 hours /day. Based on BMI, subjects were categorized into three main groups: Normal and underweight (BMI ≤ 24.9), overweight (BMI > 25–29.9), and obese (BMI > 30).

Results

Participants’ average age was 20 ± 2 years. The average BMI was 23.5 k/m². The % of students falling into the categories of normal weight, overweight, and obesity was 69.2%, 19.05%, and 11.7% respectively. The average TSED of study participants was 8.2 ± 3.45 hrs /24 hours. 71.15% of participants indicated a TSED of ≥6 hrs/24 hours and 23.71% reported a TSED of 3–5 hrs/24 hours. Only 3.15% of participants reported TSED of ≤2 hrs/24 hours. Although a rise in the mean BMI was observed with an increase in the TSED, but this difference was not statistically significant. The pairwise wise comparison also failed to demonstrate any difference in BMI between different categories of TSED. Furthermore, no significant positive correlation was found between increased BMI and excessive TSED (P = 0.37).

Conclusion

A high percentage of young adults (31.2%) were overweight or obese, but excessive TSED was not significantly associated with increased BMI in this study population. Further studies are recommended to identify the effects of other factors in causing increased BMI in young adults.

The theory of planned behavior and strength training in college-aged women

ObjectivesUsing Theory of Planned Behavior, the objective of this study was to determine how attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavior control related to intent to strength training by college-aged women. Participants: Participants were college-aged females (N = 162) from a mid-sized private university in the Midwestern United States who were divided into three groups: non-exercisers, cardiovascular-only exercisers, and strength or strength and cardiovascular exercisers. Methods: Participants completed a questionnaire assessing attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavior control in relation to strength training behavior. MANOVA was utilized to examine the differences between groups. Results: The MANOVA was significant at p < .01. Post hoc analysis indicated strength training participation was significantly higher for non-exercisers and cardiovascular-only exercisers for the attitude and perceived behavior control constructs (p<.05) but not for subjective norm. Conclusions: Perceived behavior control and direct attitude factors may be strong contributors to college-aged women's participation in strength training.

The Relationship Between Physical Exercise and Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency of University Students in China: A Moderated Mediation Model

This study aims to explore the relationship between physical exercise (PE), self-control (SC), physical exercise atmosphere (PEA), and mobile phone addiction tendency (MPAT) among Chinese university students. Through the quota sampling, 1,433 students complied with the requirements were surveyed from 10 universities in China. PE, SC, PEA, and MPAT were assessed using standard scales. For data analysis, common method deviation test, mean number, standard deviation, correlation analysis and structural equation model analysis were carried out in turn. The results showed PE and MPAT were negatively related (r = -0.158, p < 0.05); PE significantly positively predicted SC (β = 0.082, t = 3.748, p < 0.01), and SC significantly negatively predicted MPAT (β = -0.743, t = -19.929, p < 0.01). Bootstrap method was used to test the mediating effect of SC. The results showed that 95% confidence interval did not include 0. After adding the mediating variable of SC, PE did not significantly negatively predict the tendency of MPAT (β = -0.027, t = -1.257, p > 0.05). The interaction item PEA and SC could significantly positively predict the tendency of MPAT (β = 0.165, t = 2.545, p < 0.05). In the high PEA group, SC had a significant negative predictive effect on the tendency of MPAT (β = -0.665, t = -14.408, p < 0.01); However, in the low PEA group, the negative predictive effect was stronger (β = -0.834, t = -15.015, p < 0.01). The present study shows that PE significantly negatively predicted the tendency of MPAT, and SC played a complete mediating role in the relationship between PE and MPAT; The second half of the indirect effect of PE and MPAT was regulated by the PEA. The PEA will enhance the influence of SC on MPAT, but the high PEA will increase the level of MPAT of individuals at a very high level of SC.

Neural Correlates of Physical Activity Moderate the Association Between Problematic Mobile Phone Use and Psychological Symptoms

Background

Despite the evidence of an association between problematic mobile phone use (PMPU) and psychological symptoms, a few studies explore whether physical activity (PA) could moderate the effect of PMPU on psychological symptoms and its neural substrates. The aim of this study was to examine the association between PMPU and psychological symptoms in late adolescents, along with the potential moderating effect of PA and neural basis by brain gray matter volume (GMV).

Methods

A total of 251 college students reported on their PMPU, PA, and psychological symptoms and subsequently underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging to explore the neural basis of their PA characteristics. A multiple regression model was performed to detect brain GMV associated with PA by the voxel-based morphometry (VBM) method. Moderating analysis was conducted using PROCESS macro in the SPSS software.

Results

Behavioral results showed that PMPU was correlated to depression, anxiety, and stress, and PA has significantly moderated the association between PMPU with depression, anxiety, and stress. The VBM analysis showed that PA was correlated to GMV of the right fusiform gyrus (FFG), left precuneus (PCUN), left insula (INS), and left triangular part of inferior frontal gyrus (IFGtriang). Moreover, GMV of the left INS moderated the relationship between PMPU and depression.

Conclusion

This study has shed light on the neural perspective of PA that moderates the relationship between PMPU and depressive symptom.

Internet use and health in higher education students: a scoping review

The amount of time spent online has increased over the last decade among higher education students. Students engage in online activities related to studies, work, leisure, entertainment and electronic services (e-services) use. The Internet is also used for health-related matters. The increase in the use of the Internet has influenced students' health, especially mental and physical health and well-being. This scoping review scrutinizes the literature between 2015 and 2020 (N = 55) on the association between Internet use and health in higher education students. A methodological framework, outlined by Arksey and O'Malley, was applied to conduct this review. Systematic searches were carried out in the CINAHL, PubMed and Scopus databases and in the available grey literature. For the data, a thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke was utilized. Two major themes of 'Health-promoting Internet use' and 'Health-threatening Internet use' emerged and are described in this review.

Physical activity influences the mobile phone addiction among Chinese undergraduates: The moderating effect of exercise type

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Mobile phone addiction (MPA) has recently aroused much attention due to its high incidence and considerable health hazards. Although some existing studies have documented that physical activity is negatively associated with MPA, it is little known about the potential effects underlying this relation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical activity and MPA among undergraduates in China, and to further examine the moderating effect of exercise type in the relation between them.

METHODS

By the quota sampling, a total of 650 participants engaged in this survey and completed relevant measurements including physical activity rating scale-3 (PARS-3) and mobile phone addiction tendency scale (MPATS).

RESULTS

Gender (β = 0.271, P < 0.05) and major (β = -0.169, P < 0.05) could significantly predict MPA, respectively, and physical activity was an imperative protective factor to decrease MPA (β = -0.266, P < 0.001). While the physical activity level enhanced from none exercise to medium exercise, an optimum dose-response relationship would emerge between physical activity and MPA (F (3,604) = 4.799, P < 0.01). Most important, the relation between physical activity and MPA can be moderated by exercise type. Especially in terms of aerobic endurance exercise, the higher level of physical activity the undergraduates performed, the lower degree of MPA would be suffered by them (β = -0.266, P < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

These findings could be conducive to better understand the positive and potential effects of physical activity on the intervention in MPA, and served as a persuasive evidence that as for university students, actively engaging in aerobic endurance exercise with the medium activity level would be a practicable exercise strategy to deal with MPA in daily lifestyle behavior.

The Motor Function Evaluation of College Students' Physical Activity State From the Perspective of Educational Psychology

College students have taken part in less and less physical activities as a result of the common static lifestyle in recent years, lowering the level of motor function. This phenomenon has been a source of concern for schools and the government, and it is necessary to take corresponding measures to change it. The general motor function level of Chinese college students is explored first based on artificial intelligence and the human–computer interaction technology. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for College Students is compiled by referring to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and 561 students from colleges in Tianjin province are assessed based on the functional movement screen (FMS). Spearman correlation and multivariate regression analysis (MRA) are used to analyze the correlation between the motor function and physical activity status. In terms of lunch break frequency, the proportion of students having one to two lunch breaks in a week is the highest (54.15%); in terms of the frequency of doing moderate physical exercise, the proportion of students doing moderate physical exercise for 1–2 days in a week is the highest (50.61%); in terms of the frequency of doing heavy physical exercise, the proportion of students doing heavy exercise for 1–2 days in a week is the highest (47.26%); in terms of the sedentary time, the proportion of students with sedentary time more than 5 h in a day is the highest (40.61%); in terms of eye use time, the proportion of students with 8–10 h eye use time in a day is the highest (43.61%). Besides, in terms of the FMS score, the proportion of students with 13–15 FMS is the highest (48.46%). The hurdle step (21.03%), straight knee lift (22.52%), and body rotation stability (18.31%) have a relatively low proportion among the three-point items. There is a positive correlation between motor function score with the time of moderate exercise and the time of heavy exercise (P < 0.05). College students generally have insufficient rest time, long eye use time, and long sitting time, leading to a low level of motor function, manifested by an asymmetry between both sides of the body and poor trunk stability. It is recommended to add hurdling steps, straight knee lifts, and body rotation stability tests to college physical education courses.

Physical activity levels among the adults of Majha region of Punjab, India: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To construct a physical activity profile of the adult population of the Majha region of the Indian Punjab.

METHODS

The study included a total of 1130 adult participants aged 18 to 64 years comprising both genders, from rural, urban, and different sociodemographic backgrounds from the four districts of the Majha region of Punjab. The WHO's STEPwise approach to Surveillance instrument for noncommunicable diseases was used to collect data for the selected variables such as physical activity levels, demographic characteristics, behavioral parameters (daily screen time, fruit intake/week, and vegetable intake/week), physical characteristics and self-reported history of cardiovascular diseases, raised blood pressure, diabetes, and raised cholesterol. The likelihood of physical inactivity was predicted based on independent variables using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 56.81% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 53.9-59.7) of participants were not sufficiently active as per WHO's moderate- to vigorous-intensity recommendations. Obesity and overweight were observed among 40.2% of the participants. Mean minutes/day of smartphone screen time was 86.11 (CI: 79.48-92.71). Mean fruit (4.69 CI: 4.42-4.95) and vegetable (15.35 CI: 15.08-15.62) weekly consumption was lower than the WHO's recommendations. Work status, residence, annual household income, smartphone screen time, history of raised blood pressure, history of diabetes, and history of raised cholesterol were significant predictors of insufficient physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found a high prevalence of physical inactivity. Being a government employee, being an urban resident, having a middle-level annual household income, high smartphone screen time and having a history of raised blood pressure, diabetes, and raised cholesterol were all significant predictors of physical inactivity.

Physical Exercise Decreases the Mobile Phone Dependence of University Students in China: The Mediating Role of Self-Control

This study aimed to explore the relationship between physical exercise (PE) and mobile phone dependence (MPD) in Chinese university students and verify the potential role of self-control (SC) in mediating the decrease of MPD by PE. Through the quota sampling, 608 students that complied with the requirements were surveyed from 10 universities in China. PE, MPD, and SC were assessed using standard scales. For data analysis, t-tests, correlation analysis, hierarchical regression, and regression analysis were carried out in turn. The results showed significant gender differences in PE, MPD, and SC. For male students, the level of PE and score of SC were higher than those in females, yet the MPD score was lower. PE and SC were negatively related to MPD (r = -0.124, p < 0.01; r = -0.563, p < 0.001), so both could remarkably predict MPD (β = -1.00, p < 0.05; β = -0.552, p < 0.001). Gender was also a significant predictor for MPD (β = 0.089, p < 0.05). PE could, to some extent, decrease MPD, in which SC played a significant mediating role-its mediating effect accounted for nearly 71% of the total effect. The present study shows that PE is negatively correlated with MPD, and SC mediates the decrease of MPD by PE for university students in China. This indicates that the improvement of SC by PE could be a highly trustworthy and practicable way to effectively address the issue of MPD in university students or other young people across the world.