Exploring the Impact of eHealth Literacy on Appearance-related Sociocultural Pressure Among Female Undergraduates: A moderated mediation model

Abstract This study aims to examine the relationship between eHealth literacy (eHL) and appearance-related sociocultural pressure(ARSP) among female undergraduates, while analyzing the mediating role of mobile phone addiction(MPA) and the moderating effect of physical exercise(PE). A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 950 female students from three Chinese colleges using the following validated scales: the eHealth Literacy Scale(eHLS), Mobile Phone Addiction Scale(MPAS), Physical Activity Rating Scale(PARS) and Sociocultural Pressure Scale(SPS). After controlling for age, grade, and geographical origin, the results showed that: (1) eHL had a significantly negative effect on female college students' ARSP; (2) MPA mediated the relationship between eHL and ARSP, accounting for 29.7% of the total effect; (3) PE significantly moderated the relationships between eHL and ARSP, between MPA and ARSP, and between eHL and MPA. This study contributes to revealing the relationship between eHL and ARSP among Chinese female undergraduates, providing important implications for the prevention and intervention of ARSP.