The effect of rumination on problematic mobile phone use among female freshmen: A moderated mediation model

Based on the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution model and the risk-buffering model, the current study explored how and when rumination increases problematic mobile phone use (PMPU) among Chinese female freshmen. Specifically, we investigated the underlying mechanism of PMPU by testing a moderated mediation model in which solitude capacity moderated the mediating role of fear of missing out (FoMO) in the relationship between rumination and PMPU. A sample of 1,389 female freshmen in China, with a mean age of 19.68 years (SD = 2.63), was surveyed using the Rumination Response Scale, Fear of Missing Out Scale, Solitude Capacity Scale, and Mobile Phone Addiction Index. Mediation analysis indicated that rumination increases female freshmen’s PMPU by heightening FoMO. Moderated mediation analysis further demonstrated that high capacity for solitude mitigated the adverse effects of FoMO on PMPU among female freshmen, whereas low capacity for solitude exacerbates the negative impact of FoMO on PMPU in this group. This study highlights the mediating and moderating mechanisms linking rumination to PMPU. More importantly, it has significant implications for the prevention and intervention of PMPU among female freshmen.