The relationship between mobile phone addiction and cognitive failure among Chinese college students: the chain mediating effects of fear of missing out and core self-evaluation

The state of cognitive failure (CF) among college students is not encouraging and poses a risk to their physical as well as their mental health. The aim of this study is intended to investigate the effects of mobile phone addictive (MPA) on CF and potential path relationships among Chinese college students. Participants completed the Mobile Phone Addiction Scale (MPAS), Fear of Missing Out Scale (FoMOS), Core Self-Evaluation Scale (CSES), and Cognitive Failure Questionnaire (CFQ). The study's participant pool comprised a valid sample of one thousand and eighty-five (<i>N</i> = 1,085) college students. MPA and fear of missing out (FoMO) were positively correlated with CF. In contrast, core self-evaluation showed a significant negative correlation with it. MPA directly predicted CF, while FoMO and core self-evaluation (CSE) acted as both independent and serial mediators in this relationship. This research provides a foundation for developing effective interventions for CF and other psychological issues among college students.