Work

Social exclusion and mobile phone dependence in college students: a moderated mediation model of self-control and social self-efficacy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study integrated Compensatory Internet Use Theory with the I-PACE model to examine a moderated mediation model, aiming to understand the psychological processes linking social exclusion and mobile phone dependence among college students. A cross-sectional survey of 438 Chinese college students (after data cleaning) using validated scales revealed three key findings: First, social exclusion was positively associated with mobile phone dependence; Second, self-control partially mediated this association. Third, social self-efficacy moderated both the direct link between social exclusion and dependence and the first stage of the mediating pathway (from social exclusion to self-control). Consistent with the Expectancy Violation Theory, the positive correlation between social exclusion and mobile phone dependence was stronger among students with higher (vs. lower) social self-efficacy. These findings reveal complex mechanisms underlying mobile phone dependence, highlighting the mediating role of self-control and the counter-amplifying effect of social self-efficacy. Thus, while self-control training may offer broad benefits, tailored interventions should be designed for individuals with high social self-efficacy. Such interventions should guide their social confidence toward repairing offline relationships rather than retreating into online compensatory behaviors.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1752086

Authors: Li Lv, Jialin Huang, Yingchun Cao

Institution: Hubei University

Language: English

Topic: Impact of Technology on Adolescents

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801