The Relationship between Physical Activity and College Students’ Mobile Phone Addiction: The Chain-Based Mediating Role of Psychological Capital and Social Adaptation

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of physical activity on mobile phone addiction among college students. A total of 9406 students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, from 35 colleges in four regions of Jiangsu Province were selected using the whole group sampling method. Questionnaires, particularly the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Long Form (IPAQ), the positive psychological capital scale (PPQ), the social adjustment diagnostic questionnaire (SAFS), and the mobile phone addiction index scale (MPAI), were administered. We found that physical activity negatively predicted mobile phone addiction among university students. Social adaptation partially mediates between physical activity and mobile phone addiction among university students, with separate mediation of psychological capital playing no indirect role. Psychological capital and social adjustment mediate the chain between physical activity and mobile phone dependence among college students. Our findings suggest that physical activity is an important external factor influencing college students’ mobile phone dependence, and it indirectly affects university students’ mobile phone addiction through psychological capital and social adaptation. Improving the physical activity level of college students, enhancing their psychological capital, and promoting improved social adaptation are important ways to prevent mobile phone addiction among college students.