Effects of physical exercise on internet addiction among college students: Mediated by stress, moderated by self-control

We examined the effects of physical exercise on college students’ internet addiction and tested the mediating role of stress and the moderating role of self-control in this relationship. Participants were 473 college students who completed the Physical Exercise Rating Scale, the Internet Addiction Scale, the Stress Scale for College Students, and the Self-Control Scale. Results indicated that stress mediated the relationship between students’ level of physical exercise and internet addiction; further, strong self-control enhanced the negative effects of physical exercise on internet addiction and reduced the positive effects of stress on internet addiction. Therefore, regular physical exercise and stronger (vs. weaker) self-control can reduce the probability of internet addiction among college students.