The Moderating Role of Emotion Regulation in the Relationship Between Negative Emotions and Mobile Phone Addiction Among College Students: A Literature Review

Abstract

This literature review examines the complex relationship between negative emotions and mobile phone addiction (MPA), particularly among college students. Focusing on the interplay of stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness, the review elucidates how these emotions contribute to an increased dependency on mobile technology. The Compensatory Internet Use Theory and Uses and Gratifications Theory provide the theoretical backdrop for understanding how individuals use mobile phones as coping mechanisms for emotional distress. Empirical evidence suggests a significant role of emotion regulation in moderator the effects of negative emotions on MPA. Adaptive emotion regulation strategies, such as cognitive reappraisal, appear effective in mitigating these effects, whereas maladaptive strategies like emotional suppression exacerbate them. The review highlights the need for targeted interventions to enhance emotion regulation capabilities and suggests areas for future research, including the necessity for longitudinal studies to explore causal relationships. This study contributes to the broader discourse on digital habits, offering insights into developing strategies for reducing MPA and promoting psychological well-being.