The relationship between positive exercise experiences and mobile phone addiction tendencies in older adults: a...

While the literature on mobile phone addiction (MPA) is extensive, it has overwhelmingly focused on younger populations, leaving its manifestation and impact among older adults as a critical research gap. Positive exercise experience (PEE) is a potential protective factor, yet the dynamic, reciprocal relationship between PEE and MPA in later life is poorly understood. This study addresses this gap. This study aimed to (a) examine the stability of PEE and MPA across three time points, (b) explore potential gender differences, and (c) test the reciprocal predictive relationships between PEE and MPA using a cross-lagged panel model.

A three-wave longitudinal survey (9 months, April 2024-January 2025) was conducted among 828 older adults recruited from senior universities in four provinces of China. Participants completed the Subjective Exercise Experience Scale (PEE dimension) and the Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale. Repeated-measures ANOVA was employed to test temporal and gender effects. Cross-lagged panel analyses were estimated in Mplus 8.0 to assess reciprocal prediction between PEE and MPA.

PEE remained stable across time with no gender differences, whereas MPA showed a significant increase over the three waves but no gender effect. PEE and MPA were significantly negatively correlated at all time points (r = -0.513 to -0.136, all p < 0.01). Cross-lagged analysis revealed a consistent protective effect: PEE at T₁ predicted lower MPA at T₂ (β = -0.110, p < 0.01), and PEE at T₂ predicted lower MPA at T₃ (β = -0.168, p < 0.001). In contrast, MPA at T₁ predicted lower PEE at T₂ (β = -0.232, p < 0.001), but MPA at T₂ did not predict PEE at T₃.

Findings indicate that PEE is relatively stable in older adults, while MPA increases over time. PEE consistently emerges as a protective factor against future MPA, whereas the inhibitory role of MPA on PEE appears weaker and less stable. These results highlight the importance of promoting enjoyable exercise experiences to mitigate technology-related risks and support healthier aging trajectories.