Abstract
This study examined the mediating role of Internet addiction in association with fatigue and mind-wandering and the moderating role of rumination in that relationship. A sample of 3 732 Chinese adolescents (Mean age = 14.98 years, SD = 1.63) completed measures of fatigue, Internet addiction, rumination, and mind-wandering. Structural equation modelling (SEM) results showed that higher fatigue was associated with higher mind-wandering. Internet addiction played a mediating role in this relationship and was associated with an increased risk for fatigue. Additionally, rumination moderated the association between Internet addiction and mind-wandering and exacerbated the risk for fatigue. The findings indicate a need for mind-wandering interventions for school students to reduce the risk for fatigue associated with their use of Internet devices and associated ruminations.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.