Screen-based sedentary behaviors but not total sedentary time are associated with anxiety among college students

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to investigate the associations of device-measured total sedentary time and screen-based sedentary time with anxiety in college students.MethodsThree hundred and twenty-one college students (mean age = 19.72 ± 1.18, 55.8% females) were recruited from Shanghai, China. Total sedentary time was objectively measured using accelerometry, while screen-based sedentary time was self-reported. Anxiety symptom was evaluated using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. Linear regression modeling was used to assess the associations of total sedentary time and screen-based sedentary time with anxiety symptom.ResultsAccelerometer-assessed total sedentary time was not associated with anxiety symptom. Prolonged sedentary time on TV and movie viewing (>2 h on weekdays) and social media using (>2 h on weekdays and weekend) were associated with a higher level of anxiety. However, time on video gaming and recreational reading was not associated with anxiety symptom.ConclusionThe findings indicated that screen-based sedentary behaviors but not total sedentary time were associated with anxiety symptom among college students. The associations of screen-based sedentary behaviors with anxiety symptom varied by the types of screen time.

Association between meeting the 24-hour movement guideline and anxiety status in Chinese school-aged adolescents

“…Additionally, sleep duration exhibited a correlation with anxiety risk in both adolescent boys and girls, whereas the association between screen time and anxiety risk was significant solely within the urban adolescent group. Existing research based on college students suggests that sedentary behaviors such as watching TV, and movies, and using social media were identified as factors linked to higher odds of anxiety, whereas sedentary time on recreational reading was not associated with anxiety symptoms [35] . Consequently, the correlation between screen time adherence and anxiety may be linked to adolescents' excessive use of electronic devices for educational activities.…”

A Cross-Sectional Association Between Screen-Based Sedentary Behavior and Anxiety in Academic College Students: Mediating Role of Negative Emotions and Moderating Role of Emotion Regulation

“…In relevant studies, cyberloafing leads to higher levels of anxiety among college students, and will also make college students with anxiety symptoms feel a decrease in subjective well-being and sense of meaning in life. 73 The relationship between screen time and anxiety also varies depending on the type of screen use, with watching TV, movies and video games being associated with higher level of anxiety, 13 , 67 , 74 while there is little evidence indicating that time spent on texting is associated with anxiety. 14 The difference is due to different levels of perceived immersion for individuals.…”

“…45 , 46 The Chinese version have shown good reliability and validity among Chinese people, with Cronbach α coefficients being 0.98. 13 SAS has four scoring criteria for 20 questions, with items ranging from negative to positive (eg, “I fall asleep easily and sleep well through the night”) experiences, the latter being reverse scored. Negative experiences included psychological symptoms (eg, “I feel scared for no reason” and “I feel like I might be going crazy”) and physical aspects (eg, “I feel like my hands and feet are shaking and trembling” and “I feel like my heart is beating really fast”) Participants were asked to base their responses on what they had experienced in the previous week.…”

“… 12 Does the increase in screen time bring more pleasure or anxiety to college students? Although studies have tentatively explored the relationship between screen time and anxiety, 13 , 14 there are insufficient studies on the potential impact screen time on anxiety. Besides, the latest study has found that emotional dysregulation and negative emotions are important factors affecting mental health.…”

College Students’ Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding body posture: A cross-sectional survey--Taking a university in Wuhu City as an example

“…According to Carney, Awad et al the results of the study learned that particularly uncomfortable posture operation may lead to discomfort or cause people to get used to the respective posture ( Carney et al, 2015 ), And there is a correlation between emotion and posture ( Awad et al, 2021 ), So subjects may have adapted to the psychological effects of poor body posture. However, they do not take into account that this behavior will remain with them for a long time ( Huang et al, 2022 ), This adds to the psychological stress of students in the long run. In general, college students have developed an initial awareness of physical health and a better knowledge of body posture.…”