The correlation between mindfulness and problematic smartphone use: A meta-analysis.

Area of Science:

• Educational Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Digital Well-being

Background:

• Problematic smartphone use is a pervasive issue in the digital age, impacting psychological well-being and academic performance.
• Understanding the correlation between technology usage and human behavior is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically investigate mindfulness as an intervention strategy to mitigate problematic smartphone use.
• To explore the relationship between mindfulness and problematic smartphone use through a meta-analytic approach.

Main Methods:

• A meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, synthesizing data from 29 studies with 17,534 participants.
• Literature searches covered studies published before February 2024, analyzing 30 effect sizes.
• The sample included participants from both Eastern (22 studies) and Western (8 studies) cultural backgrounds.

Main Results:

• A significant negative correlation was found between mindfulness and problematic smartphone use (r = -0.399, p < 0.001).
• The Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM) showed the strongest association (r = -0.498), while the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) showed the weakest (r = -0.245).
• Stronger effects were observed in Eastern cultures (r = -0.428) compared to Western cultures (r = -0.316), with greater impact noted among females (β = -0.510, p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Mindfulness is an effective intervention for addressing problematic smartphone use.
• The identified moderating effects of measurement tools, cultural background, and gender offer valuable insights for tailoring interventions.
• Findings support the implementation of mindfulness-based programs in educational settings to combat excessive smartphone engagement.