Fatigue and mind-wandering among Chinese adolescents: Moderation by rumination and mediation by Internet addiction

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.

Keywords:

• fatigue
• Internet addiction
• rumination
• mind-wandering
• adolescents

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Subject of Hunan Provincial Social Science Achievement Review Committee (XSP2023JYC007) and Fundamental Research Funds of Huaihua University (HHUY2023-18).