Mediation and Moderation Effects of Mindfulness Between Improper Use of the Mobile Phone and Anxiety in University Students in the Post-Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Era

Abstract

The present study investigated the correlation between improper use of the mobile phone (IUMP) and anxiety in the aftermath of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. It examined the mediation and moderation effects of mindfulness on this correlation. IUMP, anxiety, and mindfulness were measured in 575 university students. The results indicated that in the aftermath of the pandemic, IUMP emerged as a significant predictor of anxiety among university students. Furthermore, mindfulness moderated and mediated the correlation between IUMP and anxiety. Students demonstrating greater mindfulness capacity exhibited proportionally diminished anxiety levels. Our evidence offers critical guidance for developing targeted interventions to mitigate university students’ psychological challenges.