The Impact of Physical Activity on College Students’ Mobile Phone Dependence: the Mediating Role of Self-Control

Abstract

The mobile phone dependence of college students has gradually become a common and serious problem in society. Physical activity constitutes an important intervention to ameliorate this phenomenon. Previous studies have found that self-control can effectively reduce dependence on mobile phones. Therefore, it is necessary to consider whether physical activity can improve self-control and reduce college students’ mobile phone dependence. In total, 418 college students were selected by means of convenience sampling. The Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), the College Student Phone Dependency Questionnaire, and the College Student Self-Control Scale (SCS) were distributed electronically. The results show that 1) physical activity has a negative effect on college students’ mobile phone dependence, 2) physical activity plays a positive role in the self-control of college students and 3) self-control plays a mediating role in the effect of physical activity on mobile phone dependence. Physical activity is an effective intervention for decreasing an individual’s mobile phone dependence, and self-control acts as a mediator to reduce mobile phone use.