The correlation between mindfulness and problematic smartphone use: A meta-analysis

Objectives: In the modern era of constant digital technological advancements, problematic smartphone use has become a key issue in educational psychology. This phenomenon affects individual psychological well-being and academic or other performance and encompasses interpersonal relationships and societal aspects, divulging the intricate correlation between technology usage and human behavior. This study aims to explore mindfulness as an intervention measure to lessen problematic smartphone use. Methods: Based on the PRISMA method, this study used a meta-analytic approach to explore the relationship between mindfulness and problematic smartphone use systematically. Systematic literature searches for papers published before February 2024 yielded 29 studies, including 17,534 individuals and 30 effect sizes. The sample comprised participants from Eastern cultures (n = 22 studies) and Western cultures (n = 8 studies). Results: The meta-analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between mindfulness and problematic smartphone use (r = -0.399, 95 % CI [-0.457, -0.338], p < 0.001). Moderator analyses revealed the strongest relationship when using the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM) (r = -0.498), while the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) showed the weakest (r = -0.245). Cultural background analyses indicated stronger effects in Eastern cultures (r = -0.428) compared to Western cultures (r = -0.316). Gender analyses revealed stronger effects among female participants (beta = -0.510, p < 0.05). Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that mindfulness serves as an effective approach to addressing problematic smartphone use. The significant moderating effects identified have important implications for the implementation of mindfulness-based interventions in educational settings.