To investigate the longitudinal bidirectional relationships among physical activity (PA), internet gaming disorder (IGD), and insomnia, with a specific focus on the mediating role of IGD between PA and insomnia.
Approach:
Study Design: A three-wave longitudinal study was conducted with 475 Chinese college students, assessing PA, IGD, and insomnia at 3-month intervals.
Data Analysis: A cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) was constructed, and mediation was tested using the bias-corrected Bootstrap method.
Key Findings:
PA was negatively correlated with subsequent IGD (T1→T2: β = −0.113, p < 0.001; T2→T3: β = −0.081, p = 0.029) and insomnia (T1→T2: β = −0.098, p = 0.003; T2→T3: β = −0.089, p = 0.003).
IGD was positively correlated with subsequent insomnia (T1→T2: β = 0.131, p = 0.010; T2→T3: β = 0.137, p = 0.005).
Insomnia was not significantly correlated with subsequent PA (T1→T2: β = −0.030, p = 0.408; T2→T3: β = −0.065, p = 0.151).
PA predicted lower insomnia both directly and indirectly via lower IGD (indirect effect = −0.005, 95% CI [−0.010, −0.002]).
Interpretation:
Longitudinal associations exist among PA, IGD, and insomnia, with PA acting as a protective factor and IGD mediating the relationship between PA and insomnia.
Limitations:
The study was limited to a specific population of Chinese college students, which may affect generalizability.
The reliance on self-reported measures may introduce bias.
Conclusion:
The findings highlight the role of PA in the relationships among IGD and insomnia.
