What is it about?
Smartphone use is an important part of everyday life, but it can also negatively impact our physical and mental health. In our study, a complete abstinence from smartphone use for one week as well as the reduction of the daily use by one hour contributed to participants' mental health (less depressive and anxiety symptoms, less problematic use tendencies, more life satisfaction) and to a healthier lifestyle (more physical activity, less smoking behavior). The effects were stronger and more stable in the reduction group.
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Why is it important?
Our findings show that a conscious and controlled reduction of smartphone use can improve mental health and foster a healthier lifestyle. A complete abstinence from smartphone use is not necessary.
Perspectives
We hope that our findings will be the starting point for further experimental research on this topic and that they will be integrated into public health prevention and treatment programs. They can increase the effectivity and reduce the costs of the programs.
Julia Brailovskaia
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Finding the “sweet spot” of smartphone use: Reduction or abstinence to increase well-being and healthy lifestyle?! An experimental intervention study., Journal of Experimental Psychology Applied, April 2022, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/xap0000430.
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