Exploring the Link between Early Memories of Warmth and Mobile Phone Addiction: Mediating Role of Alexithymia and Moderating Effects of Positive Coping Styles

Background: In the information age, mobile phones have become an important tool in people’s lives. However, prolonged and frequent use of mobile phones can lead to mobile phone addiction and have a negative impact on people’s physical and mental development. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the direct relationship between Early Memories of Warmth and Safeness (EMWS) and Mobile Phone Addiction (MPA) among university students, as well as the mediating role of alexithymia and the moderating role of positive coping styles. Methods: A sample of 422 Chinese university students (M = 20.00 years, SD = 1.40 years) anonymously responded to the EMWS Scale, Toronto Alexithymia Scale, MPA scale, and Positive Coping Style Scale. Results: EMWS were negatively associated with MPA. Alexithymia mediated the relationship between EMWS and MPA. Positive coping styles moderated the relationship between EMWS and MPA and that between EMWS and alexithymia. Specifically, With the increase in the level of positive coping styles, the negative effects of EMWS on MPA and alexithymia were gradually weakened. Conclusion: Results indicated that EMWS was intimately related to MPA and that EMWS affected MPA through alexithymia, with positive coping styles playing a moderating role. The results have implications for the prevention and intervention of MPA among college students.