Attention problems statistically mediate the association between mobile phone addiction and mental health and procrastination in Chinese college students

Mobile phone addiction is a significant public health issue among college students, associated with poor mental health and procrastination, yet the underlying mechanisms involving attention problems are not well understood. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among college students in Zhejiang Province. Linear regression models were employed to assess the relationships between mobile phone addiction, mental health, and procrastination. Statistical mediation analysis was performed to evaluate the role of attention problems. Data from 755 college students were analyzed. After adjusting for covariates, mobile phone addiction scores were significantly associated with poorer mental health (β = 0.44, p < 0.001) and more severe procrastination (β = 0.23, p < 0.001). In the pathway from mobile phone addiction to mental health, the indirect effect via attention problems (0.159, 95% CI 0.104-0.225) accounted for 36.55% of the total effect, indicating statistical indirect effects consistent with partial mediation. Similarly, in the pathway from mobile phone addiction to procrastination, attention problems showed a statistically significant indirect effect (0.076, 95% CI 0.041-0.115) accounting for 33.33% of the total effect. In this cross-sectional, self-report sample of Chinese college students, attention problems consistent with a partial mediating role in the associations between mobile phone addiction and both mental health issues and procrastination. The results generate testable hypotheses for preventive interventions targeting attention problems. Future longitudinal or experimental research is needed to confirm these findings.