The effects of adolescent physical activity participation on cell phone dependence: The mediating role of self-control

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Zhang, Defa^{a; f} | Su, Tong^{b; 1} | Lyu, Bei^{c; d; e; f; *} | Yang, Yanchao^{g; h} | Zhuo, Xiangzhi^c

Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Education, Suzhou University, Suzhou, China | [b] Adam Smith Business School and the Glasgow School of Art, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK | [c] School of Economics and Management, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, China | [d] Business School, Henan University, Kaifeng, China | [e] Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK | [f] Chinese Graduate School, Panyapiwat Institute of Management, Nonthaburi, Thailand | [g] Faculty of Education, University of Macau, Macau, China | [h] Qinggong College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Bei Lyu, PhD, School of Economics and Management, Huaibei Normal University, No. 100, Dongshan Road, Xiangshan District, Huaibei, Anhui Province, 235000 China. E-mail: peter1983123@hotmail.com; ORCID:0000-0001-7023-6009

Note: [1] Co-first author.

Abstract: BACKGROUND:The rapid development of science and technology and the swift improvement of people’s material living standards enabled smartphones to be indispensable of people’s daily lives. OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this paper was to examine the influence of self-control in adolescents’ participation in physical activity on cell phone dependence. METHODS:The Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), the Self-Control Scale, and the Cell Phone Dependence Scale were used to measure the influence of self-control in adolescents’ participation in physical activity on cell phone dependence among 649 adolescents. RESULTS:The results show: (1) There were significant differences (p < 0.01) in the physical activity levels of adolescents under different gender, birthplace, and education background. (2) Each dimensional variable of physical activity was negatively correlated with the cell phone dependence variable, and positively correlated with each variable of self-control, and the self-control variables were negatively correlated with cell phone dependence. (3) Self-control was partially mediating the effects of physical activity on cell phone dependence, with the mediating effect accounting for 39.68%. CONCLUSIONS:Adolescents’ participation in physical exercise activities will improve self-control and ultimately reduce cell phone dependence. Curbing the negative and malignant events of cell phone addiction among adolescents, timely investigation of mobile phone and Internet addiction, pathological formation mechanisms and intervention measures are important measures to reshape the healthy lifestyle of adolescents and have great practical significance for the prosperity and development of families, society, nation and country.

Keywords: Physical exercise, self-control, cell phone dependence, adolescents

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210702

Journal: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1289-1298, 2022