The Impact of Mobile Phone Addiction on Academic Burnout Among Chinese College Students: A Moderated Mediation Analysis

This study was designed to explore the relationship between mobile phone addiction and academic burnout among Chinese college students. We employed the Mobile Phone Dependence Index Scale (MPDIS), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale-Student (UWESS), Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBISS), and Physical Exercise Rating Scale (PARS-3) to conduct a questionnaire survey among 700 Chinese college students. Ultimately, 677 valid questionnaires were obtained. There was a significant positive correlation between Chinese college students' mobile phone addiction and academic burnout (r = 0.40, p < 0.001), and a significant negative correlation between mobile phone addiction and learning engagement (r =-0.18, p < 0.001). Additionally, learning engagement was significantly negatively correlated with academic burnout (r =-0.57, p < 0.001). Learning engagement played a partial mediating role between mobile phone addiction and academic burnout, accounting for 23.3% of the total effect. Physical exercise also moderated the relationship between mobile phone addiction and learning engagement. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the relationship between mobile phone addiction and academic burnout The discussion provides practical and effective recommendations for the prevention and intervention of academic burnout among Chinese college students.