Latent profile analysis of mental health in postgraduates: The impact of mentally-passive or active screen time and sedentary behaviors

Background and aims

The mental health and lifestyle of students in higher education are recognized as critical areas for enhancing the quality of higher education. However, current research primarily focused on undergraduates, with a scarcity of studies examining the lifestyle and mental health of postgraduates. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sedentary behaviors, screen time, and mental health among postgraduates, with a particular emphasis on comparing the effects of mental-active versus passive conditions.

Methods

A survey of 633 postgraduates from Beijing Sport University measured indicators of mental health, screen time (ST), and sedentary behaviors (SB). Data were analyzed using SPSS for multiple linear regression and multiple logistic regression, and Mplus for latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify mental health profiles.

Results

Four profiles emerged: moderate (5.39%), flourishing (46.38%), languishing (41.19%), struggling (7.05%). At group level, the findings revealed that both mentally-passive ST and SB are significantly and positively associated with anxiety and video addiction. The results also indicated that, at individual level, mentally-passive ST had a greater impact on “flourishing” individuals, particularly when it ranged from 120 to 240 min per day. Conversely, mentally-active ST had a more significant influence on “moderate” individuals, especially when it occurred for 120–240 min per day.

Conclusion

This study revealed the complexity of mental health among postgraduates and the patterns of association between mentally-passive or active ST and SB with different mental health subtypes, providing empirical evidence for interventions addressing mental health issues among postgraduate students.