Loneliness and mobile phone addiction among Chinese university students: The mediating role of interpersonal adaptation and its impact on psychological well-being

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between mobile phone addiction and loneliness among Chinese university students, with a specific focus on the mediating role of interpersonal adaptation and its influence on psychological well-being. A total of 230 students from normal and science/engineering universities across Guangdong, Henan, and Chongqing provinces participated in the study. Valid responses from 212 students (106 males and 106 females, aged 18–22) were analyzed using established instruments: the Smartphone Addiction Scale for University Students (SAS-C), the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3), and the Chinese University Student Adaptability Inventory (interpersonal adaptation subscale). Statistical analyses, including correlation, regression, and mediation tests using SPSS 28, revealed a significant positive relationship between mobile phone addiction and loneliness. Furthermore, interpersonal adaptation was found to partially mediate this relationship, suggesting that lower adaptability exacerbates the impact of mobile phone addiction on feelings of loneliness. The findings underscore the importance of enhancing interpersonal skills to mitigate the psychological harm associated with excessive mobile phone use. These results contribute to a growing body of literature that links behavioral addiction to emotional and psychological outcomes among youth. The study highlights the need for integrated efforts from students, families, and educational institutions to improve interpersonal competencies and promote mental well-being. Future research should explore longitudinal effects and extend the investigation to diverse student populations to enhance the generalizability of findings.