The effects of mobile phone addiction on depression, anxiety, and stress: the mediating role of cognitive failure

Mobile phone addiction (MPA) is a known predictor of depression and anxiety, yet the mediating role of cognitive failure (CF) remains unclear. A cross-sectional survey of 1,297 college students employed the Mobile Phone Addiction Index, Cognitive Failure Questionnaire, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Pearson correlations, regression analyses, and Hayes' PROCESS macro were used to test associations and mediation effects. MPA was significantly correlated with CF (r=0.446, p<0.001) and with depression, anxiety, and stress (all r>0.48, p<0.001). CF was also strongly associated with these negative emotions (all r>0.52, p<0.001). Regression analyses showed MPA predicted both CF and negative emotions, while the inclusion of CF reduced these effects, indicating partial mediation. Mediation analysis confirmed CF significantly mediated the relationships between MPA and depression, anxiety, and stress. Findings suggest that CF partly explains how MPA contributes to mental health problems, underscoring the need to address CF in interventions targeting phone addiction-related distress.