Mobile Phone Addiction, Perceived Stress, and Morningness-Eveningness Preference in Nursing Students: A...

Nursing students with high levels of perceived stress may be vulnerable to problematic mobile phone use. Morningness-eveningness preference may shape the relationship between mobile phone addiction and perceived stress. Using network analysis and computer-simulated interventions, this study explored symptom-level associations and potential intervention targets among nursing students.

Participants enrolled in the "Be Resilient to Nursing Career" program completed the Mobile Phone Addiction Index, Perceived Stress Scale, and Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire. Network analysis was conducted to identify central and bridge symptoms. Computer-simulated intervention analysis was used to identify potential symptom targets within the network. Moderated network analysis was further performed to examine the moderating role of morningness-eveningness preference.

The central symptoms were inability to control craving (Str = 0.88, Bet = 2, Clo = 0.039, and EI = 0.77) and productivity loss (Str = 1.13, Bet = 3, Clo = 0.038, EI = 0.95). Feelings of nervousness emerged as an important bridge symptom between perceived stress and mobile phone addiction. Inability to control craving showed the strongest influence in the simulated intervention analysis and may represent a potential intervention target. Feelings of nervousness showed the greatest change in the simulated intervention analysis. Four significant three-way interactions suggested a potential moderating role of morningness-eveningness preference.

This study identified potential symptom targets associated with perceived stress and mobile phone addiction among nursing students through network analysis and computer-simulated interventions. The findings may help inform future student support strategies and mental health management in nursing education. Morningness-eveningness preference may play a moderating role in the association between perceived stress and mobile phone addiction.