Psychosocial Pathways to Smartphone Overdependence in Adolescence: A Multi-Group Path Analysis of Early vs. Late Adolescents
10.12934/jkpmhn.2025.34.S1.47
- Author:
Yeseul JEON
1
;
Sohyun WOO
;
Seunghee SEO
Author Information
1. Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, Korea Nazarene University, Cheonan, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Korean Academy of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
2025;34(Special Issue):47-56
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:This study examined the relationship between psychosocial factors and smartphone overdependence among Korean adolescents, focusing on developmental differences between early and late adolescence and the mediating roles of loneliness and anxiety.
Methods:A cross-sectional design was used with secondary data from the 2023 Korea Youth Health Risk Behavior Survey, a nationwide stratified cluster sample. A total of 45,060 middle and high school students were included. Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS 28.0, employing descriptive statistics, path analysis, and multigroup analysis to assess direct and indirect effects on smartphone overdependence.
Results:Loneliness and anxiety significantly mediated the associations between psychosocial factors and smartphone overdependence. Living status, loneliness, and anxiety directly influenced smartphone overdependence in both middle and high school students, while depression had direct effects only among high school students. Stress, depression, and living status showed indirect effects. Although living status was significant, its total effect was limited among middle school students.
Conclusion:The findings underscore the importance of family support and mental health management in addressing adolescent smartphone overdependence. Developmentally tailored strategies that reflect differing psychosocial pathways and the Korean sociocultural context are essential for promoting healthy smartphone use.
