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Predictive validity of the SAD PERSONS and NO HOPE scales in a sample of suicide cases

IntroductionSuicide is a global public health issue necessitating evidence-based prevention strategies. Many individuals who die by suicide have had prior contact with healthcare services. Nearly half visit a primary care provider within a month before their death, and many visit emergency departments (EDs) frequently. Effective risk assessment in EDs is critical for suicide prevention but remains challenging. Inadequate risk assessments are a common error identified in suicide deaths. While clinical interviews are vital, risk assessment scales can support decision-making. The SAD PERSONS and NO HOPE scales are widely used but have limitations in predictive value.Materials and methodsA case–control study using psychological autopsy (PA) was conducted from 2006 to 2016. Data were collected from 662 individuals in southern Spain, including 487 suicide cases and 175 controls. PAs involved interviews with close relatives and were conducted by trained psychiatrists or psychologists. The SAD PERSONS and NO HOPE scales were utilised, and data were analysed using sensitivity, specificity, and logistic regression to develop an improved predictive model.ResultsThe SAD PERSONS scale showed high specificity but low sensitivity in predicting suicide risk. In the non-suicide group, 91.6% were classified as low risk. In the suicide group, nearly half were classified as low risk (49.6%). The modified SAD PERSONS scale showed similar results. The NO HOPE scale had low sensitivity but high specificity. An improved predictive model incorporating key variables from both scales demonstrated higher sensitivity (93.609%) and specificity (91.608%).DiscussionThe SAD PERSONS scale has limitations in effectively predicting suicide risk, particularly due to its focus on non-modifiable factors. Adding variables from the NO HOPE scale improves predictive utility. Comprehensive clinical assessments, considering psychological, social, and environmental factors, are essential for accurate suicide risk evaluation and tailored intervention.

Exploring the potential solutions to the criticisms of positive psychology: But can the bold, idealistic visions of positive psychologists survive real-world scrutiny?

Positive psychology has faced growing criticism regarding its scientific foundations and applied impact. To encourage constructive dialog, this study employs a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach to co-create potential ways to address the critiques of positive psychology. By engaging positive psychological practitioners and scholars, we investigate their perspectives on addressing the discipline’s theoretical, methodological, and practical challenges and critically evaluate the viability of these solutions. Purposive sampling gathered data from 213 positive psychology researchers and practitioners. Participants were familiarized with the main criticisms through a participatory online workshop and then engaged in small group discussions to generate potential solutions to such. Content analysis identified 16 themes and 37 categories of proposed solutions. While the proposed solutions showed promise, some appear idealistic given academic realities. This participatory study empowers positive psychologists to actively shape the evolution of their field through ongoing dialog, reflective co-creation and knowledge generation.

Feasibility of online group stress management training compared to web-based individual training for employees—a randomized pilot study

BackgroundIn recent decades, digital stress management training, typically targeted at individuals, has gained increasing attention in health promotion. While these interventions show on average moderate to high effects on stress and other mental health outcomes, their use and acceptance in practice are often low. In contrast, group training may have advantages over these shortcomings. However, despite its widespread use in traditional non-digital health promotion, there is little evidence for digital training delivered in groups.ObjectiveThis study’s aim was to explore the feasibility of live, online stress management training delivered in a group format and compare it to Internet-based training targeting individuals.MethodsEmployees (N = 62), recruited from an open access website, were randomized into either group or individual training. Group training consisted of seven weekly online appointments led by a trainer and conducted via videoconference. Individual training consisted of seven web-based sessions which included written feedback provided by an e-coach after each session. The primary outcome was perceived stress eight weeks after training initiation. Feasibility was analyzed in terms of participants’ satisfaction, adherence, and perceived benefits of both training formats, assessed via both written questionnaires and interviews.ResultsParticipants in group training [Cohen’s d = 0.9 (95% confidence interval: 0.4 to 1.5)] and individual training [1.3 (0.6 to 2.0)] both experienced statistically-significant reductions in stress, with no significant difference between the two training formats [0.25 (−0.32 to 0.83); p = 0.579]. Full adherence rates were 70% in the group training and 50% in the individual training. Participants were satisfied with both formats, appreciating the social support and personal contact of the group setting, while appreciating the time flexibility and personal contact with an e-coach offered through individual training.ConclusionThis pilot study showed promising effects for the acceptance and health-related effectiveness of stress management training delivered in a group setting via videoconference. The findings highlight the value of personal contact with a coach and peers for positive user experiences during digital stress management interventions.Clinical trial registrationhttps://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00024965, DRKS00024965.

Perceptual-vision training as a strategy for healthy aging in adults with intellectual disability: a study protocol

Aging leads to changes in motor-cognitive performance. Despite the importance of physical activity for healthy aging and the need for health promotion interventions in individuals with intellectual disability (ID), there is a lack of empirically strategies for promoting health in adults with ID. Therefore, we are conducting a clinical trial (NCT06628999 on clinicaltrials.gov) to investigate a strategy for promoting healthy aging by targeting physical and cognitive domains in ID individuals. The present work aims to provide a detailed account of the study protocol of the proposed trial to promote transparency and dissemination of the ongoing research. Specifically, this project will study the effect of a vision training program on cognitive performance and physical fitness in adults with ID. A secondary aim is to examine the association between mental and physical performance outcomes. Participants will be randomly allocated into a vision training group (VT, n = 28), a vision training-detraining group (VTD, n = 28), and a control group (C, n = 28). During the first 8 weeks, the VT and VTD groups will follow the same training protocol (based on vision oculomotor exercises combined with postural control exercises). From weeks 9 to 16, the VT group will continue the training protocol, whereas the VTD group will abstain from training (detraining). Cognitive performance and physical fitness will be assessed at baseline, mid- and post-training intervention. Overall, a vision training program can positively impact various aspects of life for individuals with ID promoting autonomy, and social integration to counteract the aging process.

The effect of digital literacy on mental toughness: research on a sport branch

The rapid digitalization of modern life necessitates robust digital literacy skills. Mental toughness, a crucial psychological attribute, also underpins success in various domains. This study investigates the potential relationship between these two constructs in the context of kickboxing athletes. A total of 242 athletes (N=95 female, N=147 male) participated in the study. Digital literacy was assessed via a validated scale encompassing four subdimensions: attitude, technique, cognitive skills, and social engagement. Mental toughness was measured via established scales. Descriptive statistics, correlational analyses, and regression models were employed to examine the relationships between the variables. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the constructs’ structural validity. Positive correlations were found between all four subdimensions of digital literacy and mental toughness. Regression analysis revealed significant positive impacts of the attitude (β = 0.155), technique (β = 0.190), and social dimensions (β = 0.173) of digital literacy on mental toughness. Findings suggest a robust association between digital literacy and mental toughness in athletes. Increased positive attitudes, strong technical skills, and active social engagement in the digital realm contribute to enhanced mental resilience. Future research should explore potential interventions to foster digital literacy in athletes, potentially leading to improved mental fortitude and performance.

The role of mindfulness in improving quality of life among student-athletes: a pilot mediation study

IntroductionThere has been a growing interest in mindfulness research during the past three decades. However, studies investigating the mediating mechanisms of mindfulness on student-athletes and their quality of life (QoL) are sparse. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine if the effects of a brief body scan intervention on QoL among student-athletes would mediate a change in five facets of mindfulness (acting with awareness, describing, non-judgment, non-reactivity, and observing).MethodsSwedish student-athletes (n = 99; 40% female participants) were recruited from six provincial high schools specialized in sports (basketball, k = 5; cross-country skiing, k = 1). The student-athletes were randomized into two arms: a 4-week body scan (intervention group) and a 4-week relaxation (active control group). Participants completed self-reported measures of QoL and mindfulness three times: at baseline; at follow-up, 4 weeks after baseline; and 8 weeks after baseline. A simple mediation analysis was conducted.ResultsResults showed no significant differences between the body scan and relaxation on QoL change (c-path). There were no significant associations between the independent variable (body scan and relaxation) and the mediator Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) (a-path). Results did not demonstrate any significant indirect associations between FFMQ and QoL (b-path) for the five facets of FFMQ. In conclusion, body scans did not have any effect on student-athletes’ QoL.DiscussionThis study provides a first step toward investigating facets of mindfulness and QoL among student-athletes. No direct associations were revealed in this pilot study. Future research should refine mindfulness interventions and explore diverse mindfulness practices to better understand which facets of mindfulness may be helpful for student-athletes’ QoL.

A latent profile analysis for teacher education students’ learning: an overview of competencies in self-regulated learning

IntroductionEspecially for teacher education students, competencies in self-regulated learning are of great importance: for their own learning during their studies, as well as for the diagnosis and support of their future students. This study aims to investigate the competencies and developmental potentials (currently low-developed areas that hold the potential for improvement) of these students’ self-regulated learning processes.MethodsData from N = 240 teacher education students regarding the preaction, action, and postaction parameters of the self-regulated learning process were analyzed.ResultsThrough latent profile analysis (LPA), five self-regulated learning profiles were extracted and labeled as follows: process-oriented competent, preaction-volitional competent, action-cognitive competent, repetitive-low reflective, and avoiding-unreflective. The profiles were validated by learning success and goal orientation. Higher-competency profiles demonstrated better learning success and more favorable goal orientations than lower-competency profiles.DiscussionThe person-centered approach of this study can help develop differentiated interventions based on learning profiles to promote self-regulated learning competencies in teacher education students, ensuring that interventions can be designed as efficiently as possible. Further potentials and limitations of the approach are discussed.

A qualitative study of father involvement with their young children in mainland China

IntroductionThe voices of Chinese fathers regarding their involvement with their young children remain largely absent in the existing research. Thus, it is critical to explore subjective experiences of and possible influences on Chinese fathers’ involvement with children from their point of view.MethodsThis study conducted semi-structured interviews with 35 Chinese fathers of preschoolers. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the interviews.ResultsChinese fathers both adhered to traditional paternal roles and increased proximity to their children while serving as maternal coparenting partners. Father involvement was related to intrapersonal, familial, and contextual factors. Intrapersonal factors included taking responsibility for being a father, optimizing children’s development and future, beliefs about parental roles, and fulfillment and joy versus tiredness and boredom. Familial factors include maternal availability for childcare and advocacy, the child’s requests and rejections, and the grandparent’s involvement and impediments to father involvement. Contextual factors include fathers’ occupational demands, networking demands, and invitations as well as opportunities for father involvement from school and community.DiscussionThe findings supported that multi-layered factors jointly influence how fathers are involved with their children. Yet, different from Western models of fathering focusing solely on child and mother characteristics, the role of grandparents was highlighted in Chinese fathers’ narratives, reflecting cultural influences on family dynamics. This highlights the need to consider the potential impact of grandparents in China and many other Asian countries, where multigenerational living is common. Additionally, the identified factors can guide the design of family programs and family-friendly policies to facilitate father involvement.

Psychiatric nurses’ knowledge of palliative care: current status and influencing factors

ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the current status of palliative care knowledge and identify the factors influencing it among healthcare workers in mental health institutions. The goal is to establish a scientific foundation for advancing palliative care practices in mental health settings.MethodsFrom August to September 2024, a survey was conducted to assess psychiatric nurses’ knowledge of palliative care. The study involved nurses from 47 mental health organizations in Guangdong Province, using general information and The Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing. Influencing factors were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis.ResultsA total of 625 psychiatric nurses completed valid questionnaires. The average score was 10.307 ± 3.305. Only 15.65% of nurses had attended palliative care training, while 29.39% demonstrated knowledge. It was significantly correlated with professional title (r = 0.164), marital status (r = 0.087), witnessing the death of a terminally ill patient or relative (r = 0.117), prior study (r = 0.164), willingness to engage in (r = 0.152), having children (r = 0.100), and performing cadaveric care (r = 0.086) (all with p < 0.05). Professional title (B = 0.497), academic qualification (B = 0.708), and witnessing the death of a terminally ill patient or relative (B = 0.932) significantly influenced it (all p < 0.05).ConclusionPsychiatric nurses demonstrate limited awareness of palliative care, with a low percentage having received relevant training. However, there are a large number of long-term hospitalized psychiatric patients, it is crucial to provide systematic and specialized palliative care training for psychiatric nurses.

The impact of gender stereotypes on physical education lessons: a pilot study regarding the qualitative analysis of teachers’ perceptions

IntroductionThis study examines the feelings of physical education teachers toward gender stereotypes and their impact on how boys and girls are perceived and supported during physical education classes. It explores how teachers’ expectations and attitudes reflect cultural biases, such as associating boys with physically demanding sports and girls with activities emphasizing grace and flexibility.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with eight teachers from diverse age groups and work environments (urban and rural). The research utilized MAXQDA software to analyze the emotional tone of the responses, categorizing them as positive, neutral, or negative.ResultsThe findings reveal that teachers generally maintain a neutral tone when discussing gender differences, focusing on objective observations rather than emotional evaluations. However, instances of positive attitudes, such as appreciating girls’ discipline and performance, suggest efforts to challenge stereotypes. In contrast, some responses reflect stricter expectations or criticisms of girls, which can perpetuate negative stereotypes.ConclusionTeachers’ feelings significantly influence how they address gender stereotypes in physical education. Positive sentiments are associated with encouragement and inclusivity, while neutral or negative attitudes often reinforce traditional expectations, allowing stereotypes to persist. These findings underscore the need for targeted training programs to help teachers develop equitable and inclusive practices that reduce the influence of gender stereo-types on students’ experiences in physical education.

Risk-taking influences perceived dominance, prestige, and leadership endorsement in Japanese adults

Risk-taking behavior occurs everywhere in our social lives, but little is known about how it is socially evaluated. Previous research has shown that risk-taking functions as a signal of a risk-taker’s dominance and prestige, increasing their likelihood of being endorsed as a leader in intergroup competitive contexts. However, the findings were obtained from Western cultures, leaving it unclear how these social evaluations are made in other cultures. This study investigated the social evaluations of risk-takers among Japanese individuals, who are rooted in Eastern culture which has been known that many social norms and traditions differ from Western cultures. Through a survey-based investigation (N = 299), we found that while risk-takers are perceived as more dominant, there was no difference in prestige evaluation between risk-takers and risk-avoiders. Moreover, leadership endorsement varies across contexts, with risk-taking increasing endorsement in competitive situations but decreasing it in cooperative ones, mediated by perceived dominance. These findings not only clarified the social evaluation of risk-taking behavior in one of the Eastern cultures but also provided insights into nuanced perceptions of risk-takers across diverse cultural settings.

Non-cognitive ability and relative poverty in farmer households: an empirical study from rural China

Exploring the cognitive aspects of pro-social behavior is crucial for improving social well-being and strengthening social identity. Specifically, in today’s post-poverty alleviation era, it is vital to pay attention to how non-cognitive ability can alleviate the relative poverty of farmers and further promote the consolidation and expansion of poverty alleviation achievements from the perspective of pro-social behavior. This study incorporates non-cognitive abilities into a traditional economic model, constructing a theoretical framework to analyze their impact on the economic decision-making of farmer households. Utilizing rural sample data from the 2018 China Family Panel Studies, we employed the instrumental variable and two-stage least squares methods to empirically examine this effect. The main findings of the study are as follows. (1) The empirical test results of Hypothesis 1 indicate that an enhancement in non-cognitive abilities significantly reduces relative poverty, particularly traits such as conscientiousness and extraversion, whereas agreeableness, openness, and emotional stability show no significant impact. Notably, non-cognitive abilities have a more pronounced effect on female-headed and low-educated farmer households in Western China, thereby demonstrating inclusiveness. (2) The empirical test results of Hypothesis 2 indicate that improved non-cognitive abilities enhance the quality of economic decision-making by alleviating constraints, adjusting preferences, and enhancing expectations, thereby reducing relative poverty. To effectively mitigate relative poverty among farmer households, governments must promote and provide training for these non-cognitive abilities, thus bolstering self-development capabilities and improving economic decision-making.

Monitoring the cognitive load in competitive environments in professional women’s basketball

This study aims to describe the dynamics of training loads during specific training sessions, to determine the possible differences among the metrics of Cognitive Load (CL), External Load (EL) and Internal Load (IL) between training sessions and to assess the possible relationship between the CL, EL and IL variables to completely monitor the athletes’ performance level. Ten professional female basketball players (age 26.45 ± 3.5 years) took part in this descriptive study throughout the second round of competition, completing a total of 11 competitive microcycles. The training sessions were classified according to the distance between the previous game and the next one (MD +/− X), making distinctions between MD + 2, MD-4, MD-3, MD-2 and MD-1. The following descriptive variables of the tasks were recorded: specificity, number of players, playing space, time pressure, decision-making and competitive stimulus. The analyzed variables were rate of perceived cognitive exertion (RPE Cog) and heart rate variability (HRV) for CL, total amount of high intensity actions (HI-T) and total sum of accelerations – decelerations (AD-T) for EL, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and summated heart rate zones (SHRZ) for IL. The load dynamics showed an increase in uncertainty throughout the microcycle, progressing from less to more specific, and a load distribution in which MD + 2 and MD-1 show the lowest values and MD-4, MD-3 and MD-2 the highest. Significant differences (p < 0.01) were found between sessions for all the analyzed variables. Possible relationships between the CL, EL and IL metrics were also established. This study shows the reality of a professional team, where the distance from the next match determines the dynamics of the workload, promoting an increase in uncertainty and specificity throughout the microcycle, thus causing an increase in cognitive load.

(Non)specific interaction patterns in families raising a child with disability or chronic illness: a latent profile analysis

IntroductionThe presence of a child with a disability significantly affects family dynamics introducing new responsibilities and altering roles. However, research also highlights the positive outcomes, such as increased family cohesion and stronger bonds among family members. Siblings face unique challenges, including emotional burdens and adjustment difficulties, which are influenced by factors such as age, severity of the disability, and parental attitudes. While some siblings develop empathy and nurture traits, others struggle with internalizing and externalizing problems. This study investigated whether families exhibit distinct interaction patterns based on the presence and type of a child’s disability, considering the perspectives of healthy siblings and parents.MethodsThe study comprised 179 dyads, each consisting of a healthy adolescent sibling of a child with a disability or chronic illness and one of their parents (N = 358). The sample included 49 families of children with diabetes, 49 with intellectual disabilities, 28 with motor disabilities, and 53 healthy children. To assess interaction patterns within families, the following measures were used: the Questionnaire of Relationships with Siblings to evaluate relationships between healthy adolescents and their siblings, the Parentification Questionnaire for Youth to measure emotional and instrumental parentification, the KidScreen-27 to assess quality of life, the Parental Attitude Scale-2 to assess parental attitudes, and the Family Rating Scales to evaluate family dynamics, including the structure and quality of family interactions. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was used to analyze data.ResultsWe identified two latent profiles: “Strained Families” profile, which featured lower-quality family interactions with parents displaying greater rejection, inconsistent, and overdemanding attitudes, and the “Resilient Families” profile reflected balanced functioning with greater cohesion and flexibility. The “Strained Families” profile was more prevalent (57%). No significant differences in profile frequencies were found across the groups.ConclusionBoth profiles included families with children with motor disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or diabetes and healthy children. Therefore, the results suggest that family interaction patterns varied independently of the presence of a child with a disability. Notably, 64% of the families with healthy children exhibited the “Strained Families” profile, marked by lower-quality interactions and family functioning, suggesting that such interactions are not exclusive to families of children with disabilities.

Colorado integrated behavioral health plus (CIBH+): aligning behavioral health within a generalist approach to primary care

As healthcare costs and physician burnout in the U.S. escalate, and the acuity and prevalence of behavioral health issues hit historical highs, it is critically important that we continue to evolve care approaches that can deliver good health and well-being at the population level. Colorado Integrated Behavioral Health Plus (CIBH+) uses a whole-person health perspective, aligning psychologists, primary care physicians, and other specialists, within a generalist approach to primary care. Here, we document our local experience in services delivery, including the rationale for the CIBH+ approach, key implementation elements, and the ability to mitigate population, patient, and provider challenge by building upon existing clinically-and cost-effective models of integrated care. With this description, we hope to spark optimism, enthusiasm, and ongoing innovation in other multidisciplinary care teams seeking ways to improve patient and provider experience.

New year as a moment of change in pro-environmental product consumption: evaluating the habit discontinuity and self-activation hypotheses using a large UK retail dataset

IntroductionThe New Year, and the New Year’s Resolution tradition, may establish January as a moment of personal change: when there could be a temporal landmark for making a “fresh start,” a habit discontinuity, and value activation. As such, January may afford opportunities for personal pro-environmental lifestyle changes, such as by changing product choices.MethodTo investigate this empirically, we analyzed existing data from a 2016 survey of retail customers (N = 12,968) linked to 35 months of their sales data (2012–2015) provided by a leading healthcare retailer in the United Kingdom. We compared sales in January to those in other months, focusing on sales of green product varieties and overall product sales (as a dematerialization indicator), and sales of two self-enhancing health product types (nicotine replacement therapy products and weight reduction products) for comparison.ResultsOur results confirmed that sales of self-enhancing health products were greater in January than in other months, but we found limited evidence for pro-environmental consumption in January, and no evidence to support the habit discontinuity or value activation hypotheses.DiscussionWe discuss these results with respect to behavior change intervention potential and moments of change theory.

Psychological characteristics of the rural poor from self-assessment and external assessment perspectives and their association with socio-demographic factors

ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the differences in psychological traits between rural poor individuals from self-assessment and external assessment perspectives, and to examine the correlation between the main socio-demographic factors of the poor population and their psychological traits. The ultimate goal is to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of effective poverty alleviation policies and to promote the development of poverty psychology and anti-poverty psychology.MethodsThe study involved 1,943 poor individuals and 1,889 non-poor individuals from over 80 natural villages across eight provinces(regions) in central China (Shanxi, Henan, Hubei), northwestern China (Shaanxi, Xinjiang, Qinghai), and southwestern China (Guizhou and Yunnan). The psychological trait levels of the poor rural population were assessed using the “Rural poor Population Psychological Trait Assessment Questionnaire.”ResultsIndependent samples t-test showed that, from both self-assessment and external assessment perspectives, the poor population scored significantly higher on traits of retractability and stubbornness, while scoring significantly lower on the trait of grit compared to the non-poor population. The results of hierarchical linear regression indicated that socio-demographic factors such as age, health status, family size, and the poverty degree of the poor individuals contributed to 5.2% of the variance in the formation of psychological traits among the rural poor population.ConclusionFrom both self-assessment and external assessment perspectives, significant differences were observed between the poor and non-poor populations in terms of their evaluations on traits of retractability, grit, and stubbornness. This indicates that there is a notable disparity between the poor individuals’ own perceptions and cognitions and the external evaluations they receive. The socio-demographic factors of rural poor individuals contribute only 5.2% to the variance in the formation of their psychological traits. This suggests that the deeper socio-cultural roots underlying the formation of psychological traits in the poor population await further exploration.

Virtual reality gaming: a tool for reducing fear and anxiety in university students

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of outdoor experiential training on the mental health of college students, specifically focusing on anxiety and fear, through the use of virtual reality (VR) technology.MethodsA total of 104 undergraduate participants (20 males and 35 females in both experimental and control groups) were recruited from our university. Participants, aged 18 to 23, were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 52) that utilized VR technology for emotional regulation training and a control group (n = 52) that underwent traditional relaxation training. All participants had good mental health status and provided written informed consent. The training lasted for 6 months, with 60-min sessions twice a week. Emotional states were assessed using the SCL-90 scale at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention to evaluate the differences between groups.ResultsStatistical analyses using SPSS 25.0 revealed significant reductions in anxiety and fear symptoms among participants in the experimental group compared to the control group. Specifically, anxiety scores decreased from an average rank of 5.36 to 4.59, and fear scores from 4.60 to 3.78 across the intervention phases. The total SCL-90 scores showed a significant improvement, decreasing from 6.39 to 5.41 (p < 0.05). These improvements were most pronounced during the second phase of the intervention, suggesting that repeated exposure to VR scenarios enhances emotional regulation and psychological resilience.ConclusionThe findings strongly indicate that VR technology is effective in alleviating anxiety and fear among college students, suggesting its potential as a viable intervention tool for mental health improvement in educational settings. The immersive nature of VR provides a safe and controlled environment for students to confront and manage their fears, which can be particularly beneficial for those who are reluctant to seek face-to-face counseling.

Commentary: There is no such thing as interoception

Physical activity and mobile phone addiction among Chinese college students: a chain mediation model of social anxiety and loneliness

IntroductionMobile phone addiction is increasingly prevalent among college students and can lead to various physical, psychological, and social problems. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity and mobile phone addiction among Chinese college students and to examine the potential chain mediating effects of social anxiety and loneliness in this relationship.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted with 268 Chinese college students (62.7% male, mean age = 20.36 years, SD = 1.73) who completed standardized measures including the Physical Activity Rating Scale-3, Social Phobia Inventory, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlations and PROCESS macro for mediation analyses with bootstrapping.ResultsPhysical activity had a significant negative effect on mobile phone addiction (β = −0.11, p < 0.05) with a total effect of β = −0.28 (p < 0.001). Social anxiety [β = −0.12, 95% CI (−0.18, −0.06)] and loneliness [β = −0.03, 95% CI (−0.06, −0.01)] independently mediated this relationship, while a significant chain mediation through both variables was also found [β = −0.02, 95% CI (−0.03, −0.01)], with all indirect effects accounting for 59.68% of the total effect.DiscussionThese findings extend previous research by identifying the psychological mechanisms through which physical activity protects against mobile phone addiction, providing new theoretical insights into the sequential pathway from physical activity to reduced addiction, and practical implications for developing targeted interventions that combine physical activity promotion with strategies to reduce social anxiety and loneliness among college students.