Physical education and sports teacher candidates’ perspectives on meaning in life and smartphone addiction: a mixed-method study

Objective – This study aims to examine the relationship between physical education and sports (PES) teacher candidates’ levels of meaning in life and smartphone addiction, and to explore in depth how this relationship occurs through qualitative data. Methods – The study was conducted using the explanatory sequential design, one of the mixed-method designs. The quantitative part of the study included 392 PES teacher candidates studying at four universities in Turkey. Quantitative data were collected using the Meaning in Life Questionnaire and the Smartphone Addiction Scale—Short Form. Results – The findings showed a low-level, negative, and significant relationship between the presence of meaning and smartphone addiction, whereas no significant relationship was found between the search for meaning and smartphone addiction. Additionally, a low-level, positive, and significant relationship was determined between the presence of meaning and the search for meaning. In the qualitative phase of the research, semi-structured interviews were conducted to support the quantitative findings. Participants’ views indicated that sports provide individuals with meaning in life and partially balance smartphone use. Conclusion – As a result, it was determined that the concept of the search for meaning is influenced by the sports context and the sample’s characteristics, and is not a direct risk factor for smartphone addiction; rather, the search for meaning may be an indicator of adaptation or personal development, not merely a lack of a meaningful life. In contrast, it was concluded that experiencing a high level of meaningful life among PES teacher candidates has a protective effect against the risk of smartphone addiction.