Wang, X., Gao, L., Zhu, X., Caselli, G., Yang, X., Chen, H., … & Gao, J. (2025). The application of the meta-cognitive model in problematic mobile phone use among Chinese adolescents. Current Psychology, 44(17), 14539-14549.

ABSTRACT
The present study aimed to examine the metacognitive model in explaining adolescent problematic mobile phone use (PMPU). A total of 1469 Chinese adolescents participated in the study, completing a series of self-report questionnaires designed to assess metacognitions about desire thinking, desire thinking, craving, and PMPU. Structural equation modeling revealed that desire thinking and craving partially mediated the relationship between positive metacognitions about desire thinking and PMPU; negative metacognitions about desire thinking partially mediated this relationship. Additionally, desire thinking and negative metacognitions about desire thinking jointly partially mediated the relationship between positive metacognitions about desire thinking and PMPU. The study’s findings highlight the significant role of metacognitions in influencing PMPU, providing valuable insights for both research and practice in understanding and intervening in adolescent PMPU.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12144-025-08138-7