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

Author

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  • Guan Yang

    (School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
    These authors equally contributed to this work.)

  • Guang-xin Tan

    (School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
    Department of Anthropology, Boston University, MA 02215, USA
    These authors equally contributed to this work.)

  • Yue-xiang Li

    (Department of Physical Education, Guangzhou Vocational and Technical University of Science and Technology, Guangzhou 510550, China)

  • Hai-ying Liu

    (School of Physical Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Song-tao Wang

    (School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Guan Yang & Guang-xin Tan & Yue-xiang Li & Hai-ying Liu & Song-tao Wang, 2019. "Physical Exercise Decreases the Mobile Phone Dependence of University Students in China: The Mediating Role of Self-Control," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-11, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:21:p:4098-:d:279816
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Songli Mei & Jingxin Chai & Shi-Bin Wang & Chee H. Ng & Gabor S. Ungvari & Yu-Tao Xiang, 2018. "Mobile Phone Dependence, Social Support and Impulsivity in Chinese University Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-7, March.
    2. Nattika Penglee & Richard W. Christiana & Rebecca A. Battista & Ed Rosenberg, 2019. "Smartphone Use and Physical Activity among College Students in Health Science-Related Majors in the United States and Thailand," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-9, April.
    3. Oaten, Megan & Cheng, Ken, 2007. "Improvements in self-control from financial monitoring," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 28(4), pages 487-501, August.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Yansong Li & Qilong Sun & Mingzhe Sun & Peishuai Sun & Qihui Sun & Xue Xia, 2021. "Physical Exercise and Psychological Distress: The Mediating Roles of Problematic Mobile Phone Use and Learning Burnout among Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-12, September.
    3. Guan Yang & Rulan Shangguan & Yuanyuan Ke & Songtao Wang, 2022. "The Influence of Acute Aerobic Exercise on Craving Degree for University Students with Mobile Phone Dependency: A Randomized Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-12, July.
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