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Associations of Problematic Internet Use, Weight-Related Self-Stigma, and Nomophobia with Physical Activity: Findings from Mainland China, Taiwan, and Malaysia

Author

Listed:
  • Wei Liu

    (Chinese Academy of Education Big Data, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China)

  • Jung-Sheng Chen

    (Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan)

  • Wan Ying Gan

    (Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia)

  • Wai Chuen Poon

    (Sunway University Business School, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya 47500, Malaysia)

  • Serene En Hui Tung

    (Division of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia)

  • Ling Jun Lee

    (Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia)

  • Ping Xu

    (Department of Educational Psychology, School of Leisure Sports and Management, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou 510500, China)

  • I-Hua Chen

    (Chinese Academy of Education Big Data, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China)

  • Mark D. Griffiths

    (International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK)

  • Chung-Ying Lin

    (Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan)

Abstract

Insufficient physical activity is a common problem for university students because they may engage in sedentary lifestyle owing to excessive time spent on their smartphones and social media use. This may result in problematic internet use (PIU) and nomophobia (fear of not having a mobile phone). Moreover, prior evidence shows that weight-related self-stigma is an important factor contributing to low physical activity. Therefore, the present study examined the associations between PIU, nomophobia, and physical activity among university students across mainland China, Taiwan, and Malaysia. Participants (3135 mainland Chinese, 600 Taiwanese, and 622 Malaysian) completed the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale (SABAS), Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMPQ), Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). The measurement invariance of the assessed questionnaires was supported across the three regions. The present findings analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling showed that (i) greater nomophobia was associated with higher levels of physical activity, (ii) greater weight-related self-stigma was associated with higher levels of physical activity, and (iii) greater nomophobia was associated with greater weight-related self-stigma. Although the present findings suggest the possibility that experiencing some level of nomophobia or weight-related self-stigma appears to help improve physical activity, it is not recommended that these be encouraged, but reducing PIU should be targeted as a means to improve physical activity.

Suggested Citation

  • Wei Liu & Jung-Sheng Chen & Wan Ying Gan & Wai Chuen Poon & Serene En Hui Tung & Ling Jun Lee & Ping Xu & I-Hua Chen & Mark D. Griffiths & Chung-Ying Lin, 2022. "Associations of Problematic Internet Use, Weight-Related Self-Stigma, and Nomophobia with Physical Activity: Findings from Mainland China, Taiwan, and Malaysia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:19:p:12135-:d:924746
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Nadia Bevan & Kerry S. O’Brien & Chung-Ying Lin & Janet D. Latner & Brian Vandenberg & Ruth Jeanes & Rebecca M. Puhl & I-Hua Chen & Simon Moss & Georgia Rush, 2021. "The Relationship between Weight Stigma, Physical Appearance Concerns, and Enjoyment and Tendency to Avoid Physical Activity and Sport," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-13, September.
    2. Necmi K. Avkiran & Christian M. Ringle (ed.), 2018. "Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling," International Series in Operations Research and Management Science, Springer, number 978-3-319-71691-6, March.
    3. Mohsen Saffari & Jung-Sheng Chen & Hung-Ching Wu & Xavier C. C. Fung & Chih-Cheng Chang & Yen-Ling Chang & Ruckwongpatr Kamolthip & Marc N. Potenza & I-Ching Lin & Chung-Ying Lin, 2022. "Effects of Weight-Related Self-Stigma and Smartphone Addiction on Female University Students’ Physical Activity Levels," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-11, February.
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