SynthesisBMC psychology2026
Meta-analytic structural equation modeling with mediation role of problematic mobile phone use between solitude and anxiety and depression.
Synthesis in BMC psychology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Loneliness and AI chatbot dependence in young adults: the mediating role of perceived social support.BMC psychology · 2026Article
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5 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundProblematic mobile phone use (PMPU) is a growing concern linked to adverse mental health outcomes, such as anxiety and depression. While solitude is a known risk factor, the specific roles of its distinct dimensions, which include social avoidance, loneliness, unsociable, and positive solitude, are not well understood within this framework. This study aimed to meta-analytically examine a model clarifying the mediating role of PMPU in the relationships between these facets of solitude and common mental health challenges.
methodsThis meta-analysis synthesized findings from 37 independent studies (N = 27,713), identified through a systematic search of nine databases (e.g., Web of Science, PsycINFO, CNKI). A meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) approach was used to test the hypothesized relationships among the four types of solitude, PMPU, anxiety, and depression.
resultsThe MASEM results revealed that three maladaptive forms of solitude, namely social avoidance, loneliness, and unsociable, were significant positive predictors of both PMPU and adverse mental health outcomes (i.e., anxiety and depression). In contrast, positive solitude was not significantly associated with either PMPU or these outcomes. Importantly, PMPU was identified as a significant mediator that explains the pathway from these maladaptive forms of solitude to anxiety.
conclusionThis meta-analysis provides evidence that maladaptive forms of solitude are associated with both PMPU and psychological distress. The findings substantiate a theoretical model in which PMPU acts as a key mechanism linking these types of solitude to anxiety. Regarding practical implications, these results suggest that interventions designed to alleviate anxiety in individuals experiencing loneliness or social avoidance should also address and aim to reduce problematic mobile phone use.
trial registrationExploring the Link Between solitude, Problematic Mobile Phone Use, and Anxiety and Depression: A Meta-Analytic Structural Equation Modeling Investigation ID: CRD420251021680.
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