Problematic Smartphone Use in College Students: The Interplay of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Lifestyle Factors

This study examined associations among adverse childhood experiences, lifestyle factors, and problematic smartphone use in 18,649 college students from six universities in China. Nearly 30% of participants met the study’s criteria for problematic smartphone use, while more than 82% reported at least one adverse childhood experience. Greater exposure to childhood adversity and less healthy lifestyle patterns were each associated with a higher likelihood of problematic smartphone use, with the strongest association found among students experiencing both. The findings suggest that prevention efforts may benefit from addressing the psychological effects of childhood adversity while also promoting healthier behaviors. Because the study was cross-sectional and relied on self-reported information, it cannot establish causation, and the results may not apply to students outside China.

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