Physical activity participation (PAP) mitigates Gen Z’s smartphone addiction: a moderated mediation model of stress and smartphone use habit during PAP

Purpose Smartphone addiction (SA) has negatively affected people’s lives and has gradually become a societal issue. This study aims to explore the mediating effect of stress on the relationship between Gen Z’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity participation (MVPA) and SA and examine the moderating effect of their smartphone use habit during physical activity participation (PAP; SH) on the indirect impact of MVPA on SA. Design/methodology/approach A total of 238 subjects participated in this study. The authors use a self-report survey to measure their MVPA, stress, SH and SA and structural equation modeling to analyze the data. Findings The results show that stress fully mediates the impact of MVPA on SA. Specifically, Gen Z’s MVPA is negatively associated with their stress, which has a positive impact on SA. Also, SH’s impact on the indirect effect of MVPA on SA becomes weaker as it grows stronger. Originality/value Although prior literature documents that PAP is negatively associated with SA, the mechanisms underlying such a relationship in Gen Z are rarely known. Built upon the cognitive control theory, this study has theoretical and practical implications for preventing and mitigating Gen Z’s SA.