Effects of physical exercise on internet addiction among college students: Mediated by stress, moderated by self-control

We examined the effects of physical exercise on college students’ internet addiction and tested the mediating role of stress and the moderating role of selfcontrol in this relationship. Participants were 473 college students who completed the Physical Exercise Rating Scale, the Internet Addiction Scale, the Stress Scale for College Students, and the Self-Control Scale. Results indicated that stress mediated the relationship between students’ level of physical exercise and internet addiction; further, strong self-control enhanced the negative effects of physical exercise on internet addiction and reduced the positive effects of stress on internet addiction. Therefore, regular physical exercise and stronger (vs. weaker) self-control can reduce the probability of internet addiction among college students.