Problematic Cell Phone Use Predicts Suppressed Physical Activity And Greater Total And Exercise Specific Anxiety

Prior evidence suggests that problematic cell phone use predicts lower physical activity and greater anxiety. It is therefore possible that the prospect of exercising may be perceived as stressful for individuals with problematic cell phone use. PURPOSE: to assess the relationships between problematic cell phone use and physical activity, anxiety, and exercise specific psychometric variables. METHODS: University students (N = 239, 20.8 ± 1.7 years) completed validated survey instruments to assess problematic cell phone use, physical activity (strenuous, moderate, and mild intensities), anxiety, cell phone use during exercise, exercise specific anxiety, gym avoidance, and body dysmorphia. For all variables a greater score indicates a greater amount of that item being assessed except for exercise specific anxiety where a higher score indicates greater confidence in one’s ability to participate in exercise in the presence of others. RESULTS: correlation analyses revealed significant positive relationships between problematic cell phone use and anxiety (r = 0.26, p < 0.001), cell phone use during exercise (r = 0.19, p < 0.004), gym avoidance (r = 0.25, p < 0.001), and body dysmorphia (r = 0.15, p < 0.02). There were also significant negative correlations between problematic cell phone use and strenuous physical activity (r = -0.15, p < 0.02) and exercise specific anxiety (r = -0.15, p < 0.02). Problematic cell phone use was not associated with mild or moderate intensity physical activity (r ≤ 0.05, p ≥ 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: Similar to previous findings, elevated problematic cell phone use was associated with lower strenuous physical activity and elevated anxiety. Additionally, those reporting greater problematic cell phone use were more likely to use their cell phone during exercise and exhibited lower confidence in their personal appearance, ability to exercise in front of others, and willingness to go to a gym. It is possible that individuals with elevated problematic cell phone use, anxiety and reduced physical activity may perceive exercising in the presence of others as stressful and they may also be more likely to use their phone while exercising which may interfere with exercise.