Objectively Measured Smartphone Use and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Among College Students: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The impact of smartphone use on mental health is being rigorously debated. Some questionnaire-based research suggests that smartphone use correlates with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Self-reported data seem unlikely to capture actual smartphone use precisely, requiring objective measures to advance this field.

Objective: The aim of the study is to examine whether objectively measured smartphone use was associated with NSSI among college students.

Methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted from 2022 to 2024, enrolling college students from 559 classes across 6 universities in China. NSSI was measured by the Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory including 10 items of NSSI without suicidal intent within the past month. Participants answering "ever" were classified as having NSSI. Objectively measured smartphone screen time and number of smartphone unlocks were obtained from screenshots of smartphone use records. The association between objectively measured smartphone use and NSSI was analyzed using binary logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline regression.

Results: Of 16,668 included participants, 627 (3.8%) reported NSSI. Mean (SD) smartphone screen time and number of smartphone unlocks were 48.8 (28.8) hours per week and 271.6 (291.0) times per week. The models adjusted for different factors showed a significant association between smartphone use and NSSI. Compared to participants with 0-21 hours per week of smartphone screen time, those with ≥63 hours per week of smartphone screen time had higher odds of NSSI (odds ratio [OR] 1.63, 95% CI 1.32-2.01). Likewise, compared to participants with 0-50 times per week of smartphone unlocks, those with ≥400 times per week of smartphone unlocks had higher odds of NSSI (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.25-1.88). No significant NSSI risk increase was observed for participants with 21-42 and 42-63 hours per week of smartphone screen time nor for those with 50-150 and 150-400 times per week of smartphone unlocks. Moreover, restricted cubic spline analyses showed that the increasing risk of NSSI was associated with elevated smartphone screen time and number of smartphone unlocks.

Conclusions: These findings emphasize that ≥63 hours per week of smartphone screen time and ≥400 times per week of smartphone unlocks are risk factors for NSSI among college students, and interventions targeting NSSI should consider the apparent association with smartphone use.

Keywords: college students; nonsuicidal self-injury; number of smartphone unlocks; objective; smartphone screen time.

Figure 1.. Restricted cubic spline regression analysis of objectively measured smartphone use with NSSI risk. Adjusted for sex, grade, race, registered permanent residence, siblings, parental educational attainment, current smoking, current drinking, physical activity, rational diet, family disasters, hospitalization experience, failed examinations, and failed relationships. NSSI: nonsuicidal self-injury; OR: odds ratio.