Mobile phone addiction, self-control, physical exercise, and depression: A moderated mediation model

This study explored the role of self-control and physical exercise on the relationship between mobile phone addiction and depression. College students (n = 514, female = 56.8%, mean age = 18.43 years, SD = 0.72 years) completed the Mobile Phone Addiction Scale, the Self-control Scale, the Physical Activity Rating Scale, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Following moderated mediation analysis, the results showed that self-control mediated the relationship between mobile phone addiction and depression. Furthermore, physical exercise moderated the relationship between mobile phone addiction and depression so that those reporting higher levels of physical activity were at less risk for both mobile phone addiction and depression. The results support the social replacement and depression monoamine hypotheses that physical activity is an important protective factor of depression on mobile phone addiction. Interventions to reduce mobile phone addiction and depression in college students should improve their level of self-control and physical exercise.