Alexithymia and problematic mobile phone use among college students with and without siblings: the role of loneliness and mindfulness

Prior studies have confirmed that alexithymia is related to problematic mobile phone use (PMPU). However, the potential mediating and moderating factors involved in this association are still unclear. Thus, the relationship between alexithymia and PMPU, as well as the possible mediating role of loneliness and the moderating role of mindfulness was examined. 1267 college students (59.20% female; Mage = 20.36 years; SDage = 0.97) were enrolled to complete the Toronto Alexithymia-20 Scale, Loneliness Scale Version 3, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale and Mobile Phone Addiction Index. The findings showed that alexithymia was correlated with PMPU among college students with and without siblings; loneliness mediated the above relations. Moreover, the direct path of alexithymia and PMPU was moderated by mindfulness, and the moderating effect was more pronounced in higher mindfulness. Between the only child and non-only child, some differences was observed in the moderating effect of mindfulness. These findings highlight the importance of addressing loneliness and promoting mindfulness-based interventions as potential preventative measures to reduce PMPU.