Abstract
BackgroundCross-sectional and longitudinal studies have found that problematic mobile phone use, bedtime procrastination, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms are strongly associated. However, studies are inconsistent regarding whether problematic mobile phone use predicts depressive symptoms or vice versa, and sleep factors have been infrequently focused on in this regard. In addition, few studies have examined the longitudinal associations and directions of effects between these factors. Therefore, this study aims to explore the longitudinal relationship among problematic mobile phone use, bedtime procrastination, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms in college students.MethodsOverall, 1181 college students completed questionnaires on problematic mobile phone use, bedtime procrastination, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms at two time points 12 months apart. A cross-lagged model was used to examine the longitudinal relationship between these factors.ResultsCross-lagged analyses showed significant bidirectional relationships of problematic mobile phone use with bedtime procrastination and depressive symptoms. Additionally, there were also significant bidirectional relationships of sleep quality with bedtime procrastination and depressive symptoms. Problematic mobile phone use predicted subsequent sleep quality one-way, and bedtime procrastination predicted subsequent depressive symptoms one-way.ConclusionsThis study further expands our understanding of the longitudinal and bidirectional relationships among problematic mobile phone use, bedtime procrastination, sleep quality and depressive symptoms and helps school mental health educators design targeted interventions to reduce problematic mobile phone use, sleep problems, and depressive symptoms among college students.
Highlights
With the rapid development of Internet technology, electronic products such as mobile phones have become one of the main tools for individuals to access and supply information [1]; conduct interpersonal communication; obtain entertainment, diversion, and relaxation; receive monetary compensation [2]; and pursue other activities, by virtue of their devices’ convenience, accessibility, and powerful functions [3, 4]
The fit results of the metric invariance models showed that ΔCFI and ΔRMSEA were both less than 0.01, indicating invariance of factor loadings on each scale over time
On the basis of the metric invariance model, we further restricted the equality of thresholds, to test scalar invariance; ΔCFI and ΔRMSEA were still within the acceptable range
Summary
With the rapid development of Internet technology, electronic products such as mobile phones have become one of the main tools for individuals to access and supply information [1]; conduct interpersonal communication; obtain entertainment, diversion, and relaxation; receive monetary compensation (such as finding bargains on product and services to save money, getting profitable financial information, or working and doing tasks to make money) [2]; and pursue other activities (such as education and health management), by virtue of their devices’ convenience, accessibility, and powerful functions [3, 4]. Excessive use means that an individual’s mobile phone use exceeds a certain time and range This requires a demarcation point to determine whether an individual has excessive mobile phone use. In this study, we define PMPU as an individual’s uncontrolled or excessive use of mobile phones and adverse effects when performing activities with the motivation and purpose of relieving negative emotions, relaxing oneself, and satisfying online social and entertainment needs, rather than activities with the motivation and purpose of selfimprovement, increase productivity or search for social support, such as work, study, and communication with families and friends. This study aims to explore the longitudinal relationship among problematic mobile phone use, bedtime procrastination, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms in college students
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