Is mindful screen time a resilience factor for screen-related experiences of psychological needs and well-being?
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: We examined the measurement of mindful screen time and whether it moderated links between screen-related psychological needs (satisfaction and frustration) and well-being. University students ( N = 770, M age = 19.96) completed a questionnaire online. A unidimensional structure of mindful screen time had an adequate fit (CFI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.08) and composite reliability (0.79). Correlations between mindful screen time and well-being ( r s = |0.08–0.26|) showed evidence of validity based on relations to other variables. Path analysis indicated two of the eight moderated associations were statistically significant but counter to hypotheses: higher mindful screen time increased the negative influence of need frustration on negative affect and diminished the positive influence of need satisfaction on flourishing. Screen-related psychological need satisfaction and frustration were key factors influencing well-being. Effect sizes were small-to-moderate ( R 2 = 0.21–0.48). Overall, we found that that mindful screen time is not a robust moderator. More research is needed to better understand the role of mindful screen time on well-being.
Source: Journal of Health Psychology
Authors: Katie E. Gunnell, Mackenzie Salmon, Jayson J. Yung, Yan Liu, Gary S. Goldfield
Institutions: Carleton University, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,650
OpenAlex ID: W7123839434