Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

iPad Adults: Relationships Between Screen Time, Physical Activity, and Personality

Publication Date

Fall 2024

College

Sciences and Mathematics, College of

Department

Psychological Science, Department of

SURS Faculty Advisor

Abigail Heller

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Abstract

The physiological and psychological benefits of physical activity are largely understood; however, many individuals do not meet the nationally recommended amount of regular daily movement (World Health Organization, 2024). One strong contributor to this pattern is the rapidly increasing allure of technology and time spent on screens (LeBlanc et al., 2017). Still, there may be personality and individual factors, such as conscientiousness or habituality, that moderate (i.e., buffer or enhance) the existing relationships between screen time and physical activity levels. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to explore these relationships. To study this phenomenon, Belmont students (N = 47) enrolled in Introduction to Psychology classes were recruited via the website SONA. Using the Qualtrics survey platform, participants indicated informed consent and answered several demographic questions. Participants then completed four surveys measuring screen time, habituality, conscientiousness, and physical activity. The researchers used moderated multiple regressions to test the roles of habituality and conscientiousness in the relationship between screen time and physical activity. In both models, screen time did not predict physical activity. Neither significantly interacted with screen time to predict physical activity. These results suggest that screen time may not have as much of an impact on physical activity levels as previously thought.

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