Network analysis of interactions of rumination and anxiety on smartphone dependence symptoms

Rumination and anxiety have been posited as correlates of smartphone dependence (SPD). However, little is known regarding how the components of both affect SPD symptoms at subtle levels. Therefore, we used the network analysis approach to identify the connections at a micro level to provide possible interventions for reducing SPD symptoms.

Using symptom-level network analysis, we used the ruminative response scale-10, the generalized anxiety disorder scale-7, and the mobile phone addiction index scale-17 to investigate Chinese preservice teachers (M _age = 21.1, N = 1160). Subsequently, we estimated a graphical lasso correlation network for these teachers, which encompassed rumination components, anxiety components, and SPD symptoms. Specifically, the central and bridge centralities within the network structure were examined for the impacts of rumination and anxiety on SPD symptoms.

The three intracluster connections of rumination, anxiety, and SPD were tighter than the intercluster, with structural connections in rumination and anxiety networks closer than the triggered SPD symptoms cluster. Importantly, reflection reactions towards "write down what you are thinking and analyze it" (a component of rumination) were identified as a central and bridging node that might be a target for intervention for SPD symptoms.

We identify potential edge-bridging rumination and anxiety on SPD and locate highly central components within each cluster via network analysis.