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

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Yue-xiang Li¹  Guan Yang²  Guang-xin Tan²  Song-tao Wang²  Hai-ying Liu³ 

[1] Department of Physical Education, Guangzhou Vocational and Technical University of Science and Technology, Guangzhou 510550, China;School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China;School of Physical Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China;

关键词: physical exercise;    mobile phone dependence;    self-control;    mediating effect;    university students;    china;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijerph16214098

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

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.

【 授权许可】

Unknown