Future focus: unlocking self-control and meaning in life to combat smartphone addiction

Existing literature shows a link between future temporal focus (FTF) and smartphone addiction (SA). However, the precise psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship remain inadequately explored, despite the recognized importance of meaning in life (MIL) and self-control (SC) in influencing the FTF-SA correlation. This study seeks to elucidate the mediating roles of MIL and SC within the FTF-SA relationship. A total of 462 university students ( M age = 19.57, SD age = 1.09) participated in the study, completing scales for FTF, MIL, SC, and SA, which were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Our findings indicate that MIL and SC serve as mediators in the FTF-SA relationship. Specifically, FTF diminishes tendencies towards SA through the serial mediation effect of MIL and SC. These results suggest that incorporating future-oriented perspectives and focusing on the cultivation of MIL and SC are critical components in interventions targeting SA. Moreover, this study offers guidelines for future research aimed at developing addiction therapies and preventive strategies related to MIL and SC.