Mindfulness and problematic smartphone use: indirect and conditional associations via self-regulated learning and digital detox

Previous research indicates that mindfulness is associated with lower levels of addictive behaviors, including problematic smartphone use. However, the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain insufficiently explored. Self-regulated learning has been identified as a process that may partially account for this association, while digital detox practices may be associated with stronger self-regulation. Yet, these factors have rarely been examined together within a single model of problematic smartphone use. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of self-regulated learning and the moderating role of digital detox in the relationship between mindfulness and problematic smartphone use among 1,241 Chinese college students from Shandong Xiehe University. Participants completed the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Problematic Smartphone Use Scale (PSU), the Self-Regulation of Learning Self-Report Scale (SRL-SRS), and the Digital Detoxification Scale (DDS). The results showed that mindfulness was negatively associated with problematic smartphone use, and self-regulated learning partially mediated this association. Further analysis indicated a significant interaction between digital detox and self-regulated learning in relation to problematic smartphone use. These results are consistent with a complex pattern in which mindfulness is linked to lower problematic smartphone use partly via self-regulated learning, with digital detox associated with a stronger negative association between self-regulated learning and problematic smartphone use. Given the cross-sectional design, these findings should be interpreted as associations rather than causal effects. This study contributes to clarifying the mechanisms underlying the association between mindfulness and problematic smartphone use, highlighting the relevance of promoting self-regulated learning and digital detox strategies.