Feasibility of Exercise and Mindfulness Intervention for Improving Psychological Symptoms in Female University Students With Smartphone Addiction: A Pilot Study

The prevalent use of smartphones has raised significant concerns regarding smartphone addiction among university students. This addiction can lead to a range of psychological problems, which may ultimately affect their academic performance and overall well-being. Engaging in exercise has been linked to improved mental well-being, mainly by regulating endorphin levels, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have become effective strategies for tackling different psychological challenges. Evidence indicates that mindfulness practices can significantly decrease stress, anxiety, and depression levels. Combining exercise with mindfulness (EM) techniques can boost their overall effectiveness and provide additional mental health benefits for university students undergoing these interventions. This preliminary study aimed to evaluate the practicality and efficacy of an EM in addressing psychological symptoms among female university students with smartphone addiction. A total of 30 participants took part in a two-week training programme. Psychological symptoms were evaluated using the DASS-21 questionnaire. The content validity was assessed via the CVI and evaluations from experts. Statistical evaluations were conducted utilizing SPSS version 25.0. The findings from the content validity assessment indicated a high correlation among the items of the DASS-21 (CVI = 0.833, kappa = 0.816). Additionally, the internal reliability throughout the various dimensions of the questionnaire was deemed satisfactory, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging is 0.832 to 0.930. Although retention and adherence rates were elevated, there was no significant change in psychological symptom scores following the EM. This study highlights the feasibility and acceptability of the EM intervention for female university students experiencing smartphone addiction. While no significant improvements in psychological symptoms were observed, the findings suggest a need for further research into more comprehensive, long-term interventions to investigate the possible advantages of EM within this demographic.