Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026
07:00
Measuring the Switch Cost of Smartphone Use While Walking
Published on: April 30, 2020
2.4K
The relationship between academic burnout and problematic smartphone use: a three-level meta-analysis
Xiaohang Wang1, Zainal Bin Madon1, Mohamad Salleh Abdul Ghani1
1Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia.
Frontiers in Psychology
|April 20, 2026
Summary
Academic burnout is moderately linked to problematic smartphone use (PSU). This meta-analysis of 79 studies confirms a positive association, highlighting PSU as a key concern for students.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Inconsistent findings exist regarding the link between academic burnout and problematic smartphone use (PSU).
- Growing concern over the impact of digital habits on student well-being necessitates a clearer understanding of this relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically examine the association between academic burnout and PSU.
- To identify potential moderating factors influencing this relationship.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases following PRISMA guidelines.
- A three-level meta-analytic approach was used, synthesizing data from 79 studies (115 effect sizes, 68,162 participants).
Main Results:
- A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.438) was found between academic burnout and PSU.
- Moderator analyses indicated that the year of data collection and the type of PSU measurement instruments significantly influenced the observed relationship.
Conclusions:
- This meta-analysis provides robust evidence for a significant association between academic burnout and PSU.
- Findings can inform the development of targeted prevention and intervention strategies for problematic smartphone use among students.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Stress and Mental Health
1.6K
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
1.6K
01:23Types of Stressors
929
A stressor is any event, condition, or stimulus that triggers stress and causes a physical or psychological response in the body. Stressors can be categorized into three main types: catastrophes; significant life changes; and daily hassles, including social stress. Each can be detrimental to physical and mental well-being.
Catastrophes
Catastrophes refer to large-scale, unpredictable events that create overwhelming stress and a sense of threat. Examples include natural disasters like...
Catastrophes
Catastrophes refer to large-scale, unpredictable events that create overwhelming stress and a sense of threat. Examples include natural disasters like...
929
01:26Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
356
Stress often leads to unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating, which offer short-term relief but ultimately increase long-term health risks. These behaviors create a cycle that temporarily lowers stress levels but can result in severe long-term health consequences. Breaking these habits is essential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Three primary changes that support better health include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake,...
356
02:04Bullying
9.0K
A modern form of aggression is bullying. As you learn in your study of child development, socializing and playing with other children is beneficial for children’s psychological development. However, as you may have experienced as a child, not all play behavior has positive outcomes. Some children are aggressive and want to play roughly. Other children are selfish and do not want to share toys. One form of negative social interactions among children that has become a national concern is...
9.0K
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
1.3K
Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
1.3K
02:45Self-Discrepancy Theory
19.1K
One influential perspective on what motivates people's behavior is detailed in Tory Higgin's self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987). He proposed that people hold disagreeing internal representations of themselves that lead to different emotional states.
19.1K