High impulsivity, low self-control and problematic mobile phone use: The effect of poor sleep quality

In order to ascertain the onset mechanism of problematic mobile phone use (PMPU), the current study tested the mechanism by which sleep quality is associated with PMPU though the the indirect effects of impulsivity and self-control. The sample consisted of 513 Chinese university students (48.6% male) ranging from 17 to 22 years of age. Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing sleep quality, impulsivity, self-control and PMPU. The results demonstrated that poor sleep quality was indirectly associated with PMPU in a sequential mediation first through impulsivity and then through self-control. Additionally, sleep quality exerted an indirect effect on self-control via impulsivity. These findings provide preliminary support for the application of the dual-systems model of risk-taking to understanding PMPU. It is hoped that behavioral and psychological interventions to reduce sleep problems, decrease impulsivity and increase self-control could be useful strategies in working with problematic mobile phone users.