Meditation-Based Online Psychological Intervention

Participants' problematic smartphone use was assessed using the 33-item Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS) [Kwon et al., 2013]. Although the original scale employed a 6-point response format, the present study utilized a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (almost never) to 5 (almost always; α = .88). The scale comprises six dimensions: daily disturbance, positive anticipation, withdrawal symptoms, online intimacy, excessive use, and tolerance. Higher total scores indicate greater severity of problematic smartphone use.

Participants' perceived stress was assessed using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) [Cohen et al., 1983; Chen et al., 2021]. The validated Chinese version [Chen, Tian, Zhang, et al., 2021] was employed in the present study. Items were rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (never) to 5 (always; α = .78-.91). The scale consists of two dimensions: perceived helplessness and self-efficacy belief. Six items assessing self-efficacy belief were reverse-scored. Higher total scores reflect elevated levels of perceived stress.

Participants' mindfulness was assessed using the 10-item Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS) [Cardaciotto et al., 2008; Zeng et al., 2015]. The validated Chinese version [Zeng, Li, Zhang, & Liu, 2015] was employed in the present study. Items were rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (never) to 5 (always; awareness subscale α = .82; acceptance/avoidance subscale α = .80). The scale comprises two dimensions: awareness and acceptance/avoidance. Five items assessing acceptance/avoidance were reverse-scored. Higher total scores indicate greater mindfulness.

Participants' self-control was assessed using the 19-item Self-Control Scale for College Students [Tangney et al., 2004; Tan & Guo, 2008]. The validated Chinese version [Tan & Guo, 2008] was employed in the present study. Items were rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (not at all) to 5 (very much; α = .85). The scale comprises five dimensions: impulse control, health habits, resisting temptation, focused work, and moderation in entertainment. Higher total scores reflect greater self-control.

Participants' boredom proneness was assessed using the 12-item Short Form of the Boredom Proneness Scale (BPS-SF) [Vodanovich et al., 2005]. Items were rated on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree; external stimulation deficiency α = .81; internal stimulation deficiency α = .78). The scale comprises two dimensions: external stimulation deficiency and internal stimulation deficiency. Six items assessing internal stimulation deficiency were reverse-scored. Higher total scores indicate greater boredom proneness.

Participants' meaning in life was assessed using the 11-item Three-Dimensional Meaning in Life Scale (3DM) [Martela & Steger, 2016]. Items were rated on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (not at all) to 7 (very much; purpose α = .90; coherence α = .84; significance α = .86). The scale comprises three dimensions: purpose, coherence, and significance. Higher total scores reflect greater meaning in life.

Participants' time perspective was assessed using the 25-item Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) [Zimbardo & Boyd, 1999]. Items were rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (very uncharacteristic) to 5 (very characteristic; past-positive α = .79; past-negative α = .82; present-hedonistic α = .84; present-fatalistic α = .74; future α = .84). The scale comprises five dimensions: past-positive, past-negative, present-hedonistic, present-fatalistic, and future. Higher subscale scores indicate stronger orientation toward that particular time perspective.