Effect of Mobile Phone Addiction on Physical Exercise in University Students: Moderating Effect of Peer Relationships

Yahui Han, Guoyou Qin, Shanshan Han, Youzhi Ke, Shuqiao Meng, Wenxia Tong, Qiang Guo, Yaxing Li, Yupeng Ye and Wenya Shi ()
Additional contact information
Yahui Han: Institute of Sports Science, Kyunggi University, Suwon 449701, Republic of Korea
Guoyou Qin: Physical Education Institute, Hanjiang Normal University, Shiyan 442000, China
Shanshan Han: Institute of Sports Science, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
Youzhi Ke: School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
Shuqiao Meng: Physical Education College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China
Wenxia Tong: Physical Education College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China
Qiang Guo: Physical Education College, Shangqiu University, Shangqiu 476000, China
Yaxing Li: Physical Education College, Shangqiu University, Shangqiu 476000, China
Yupeng Ye: School of Physical Education, Jing-Gang-Shan University, Ji’an 343009, China
Wenya Shi: Physical Education College, Guangxi Minzu Normal University, Chongzuo 532200, China

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 3, 1-13

Abstract: Objective: The influence of mobile phone addiction (MPA) on physical exercise in university students was explored, and peer relationships were introduced as a moderating variable. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was adopted, and an online survey questionnaire was conducted to investigate two universities in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, and Chongzuo City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. A total of 4959 university students completed the questionnaire. Measurement tools included the Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale, the Physical Activity Rating Scale, and the Peer Rating Scale of university students. Results: University students scored 39.322 ± 15.139 for MPA and 44.022 ± 7.735 for peer relationships, with 87.8% of their physical exercise, in terms of exercise grade, being classified as medium or low intensity. The MPA of the university students was negatively correlated with peer relationships (r = −0.377, p < 0.001) and physical exercise behavior (r = −0.279, p < 0.001). The moderating effect of peer relationships on the MPA-physical exercise behavior relationship was significant (ΔR 2 = 0.03, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The physical exercise of university students was at a medium or low intensity. The more serious the university students’ addiction to mobile phones was, the lower the amount of physical exercise. The physical activity of males was higher than that of females. MPA and peer relationships were the limiting factors of the physical exercise behavior of university students. Under the lower effect of peer relationship regulation, MPA had a greater negative impact on physical exercise behavior. The data from this research can provide theoretical support to improve the participation of university students in physical activities.

Keywords: addictive behavior; physical exercise; peer support; university student; sports involvement; impact mechanism (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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