The effect of physical activities on internet addiction in college students: the mediating effect of self-control

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between college students' physical activities and Internet addiction, to investigate the role self-control control plays in this relationship, and to provide a theoretical foundation for the alleviation of college students' tendency to Internet addiction and intervention treatment. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted on 471 college students using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Revised Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS-R), and the Self-Control Scale (SCS). Results: Internet addiction was significantly negatively correlated with physical activities (overall; min/WK, r = −0.115, P < 0.05), with high-intensity physical activities (min/WK, r = −0.179, P < 0.01), and with low-intensity physical activities (r = −0.103, P < 0.05); self-control was significantly positively correlated with physical activities (overall; min/WK, r = 0.150, P < 0.01), with moderate—intensity physical activities (min/WK, r = 0.139, P < 0.01) while it was significantly negatively correlated with Internet addiction (min/WK, r = −0.349, P < 0.01). The mediating effect follows the path: physical activity → self-control → internet addiction. Conclusion: Physical activity can have a direct negative effect on college students' Internet addiction, and also influence Internet addiction through the mediating effect of self-control.