The impact of physical activity on internet addiction among college students: the chain mediation role of rumination and mindfulness

Abstract

Background: Internet addiction (IA) has emerged as a growing concern among college students, often accompanied by emotional distress and impaired self-regulation. While physical activity (PA) has been recognized as a protective factor, the underlying psychological mechanisms remain insufficiently explored. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of PA on IA among Chinese college students, with a focus on the mediating roles of rumination and mindfulness and their potential chain mediation pathway. Methods: A total of 1,019 undergraduate students (Mage = 20.30, SD = 1.59; 61.3% male) from universities in Jiangsu, Anhui, and Liaoning provinces participated in a cross-sectional survey. Standardized self-report instruments were used to assess PA, IA, rumination, and mindfulness. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine both the individual mediation effects and the proposed chain mediation model linking PA to IA through rumination and mindfulness. Results: PA was found to negatively predict IA directly. Both rumination and mindfulness partially mediated the relationship between PA and IA. Furthermore, a significant chain mediation path—“PA → rumination → mindfulness → IA”—was identified, suggesting that PA may reduce IA risk by decreasing negative cognitive processing and enhancing attentional regulation. Conclusions: These findings highlight a dual-pathway mechanism through which PA influences IA, supporting a cognitive-affective framework. The study offers empirical evidence for integrating PA, cognitive restructuring, and mindfulness-based strategies into IA prevention programs in higher education settings.