Physical Exercise and Behavioral Addiction: How Self-Control and Subjective Emptiness Jointly Mediate the Reduction of Short-Video Addiction in Adolescents

Zhen  Su; Ziqiang  Zhang; Xiaolei  Zhan; Xi  Xiao

doi:10.18502/ijph.v54i9.19864

Zhen Su Sports and Military Training Department, Zhijiang College of Zhejiang University of Technology, Shaoxing, China
Ziqiang Zhang Department of Fundamental Courses, Zhejiang Changzheng Vocational & Technical College, Hangzhou, China
Xiaolei Zhan Sports and Military Training Department, Zhijiang College of Zhejiang University of Technology, Shaoxing, China
Xi Xiao Continuing Education College, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v54i9.19864

Keywords: Short-video addiction; Adolescent; Physical exercise; Mediation effect

Abstract

Background: Short-video addiction is prevalent among adolescents and threatens their development. This study aimed to examine the relationships among physical exercise, self-control, subjective emptiness, and short-video addiction in adolescents and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods: A total of 889 adolescents were recruited from 3 middle schools in Zhejiang Province, China. Data collection was conducted from April to June 2025 using a questionnaire.

Results: The mean score of short-video addiction in adolescents was 3.01; physical exercise was negatively correlated with short-video addiction (r=−0.626, P<0.001); self-control (effect=−0.106, 95% CI [−0.175, −0.047]) and subjective emptiness (effect=−0.360, 95% CI [−0.492, −0.260]) mediated the relationship between physical exercise and short-video addiction; and the chain mediation model shaped by self-control and subjective emptiness had a statistically significant effect (effect=−0.064, 95% CI [−0.115, −0.025]).

Conclusion: Physical exercise contributes to mitigating short-video addiction in adolescents by enhancing self-control and alleviating psychological emptiness. Relevant interventions should integrate physical activities to improve adolescents’ self-management abilities, satisfy their psychological needs, and lay a foundation for the prevention and treatment of this addictive behavior.