Objective: This study aimed to explore the effect of mobile phone dependence on depression in
college students and the mediation role of family cohesion. Methods: Using the Mobile Phone Addiction
Index (MPAI), the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale (FACES-CV), and the Self-Rating Depression
Scale (SDS), 528 college students were tested, and 481 valid questionnaires were finally recovered.
Results: (1) There was a significant correlation between mobile phone dependence, depression and family
cohesion among college students (p<0.01); (2) Family cohesion played a partially mediating role between
mobile phone dependence and depression, with the mediating effect accounting for 16.28% of the total
effect. Conclusion: Mobile phone dependence can directly affect the depression of college students, and it
can also indirectly affect depression through family cohesion.