Perceived Attachment and Problematic Smartphone Use in Young PeopleMediating Effects of Self-Regulation and Prosociality

  1. Clara López-Mora 1
  2. Gustavo Carlo 2
  3. Joy Roos 3
  4. Sahitya Maiya 3
  5. Juan González-Hernández 4
  1. 1 Universidad Europea de Valencia
    info

    Universidad Europea de Valencia

    Valencia, España

  2. 2 University of California-Irvine
  3. 3 Missouri University of Science and Technology
    info

    Missouri University of Science and Technology

    Rolla, Estados Unidos

    ROR https://ror.org/00scwqd12

  4. 4 Universidad de Granada
    info

    Universidad de Granada

    Granada, España

    ROR https://ror.org/04njjy449

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Journal:
Psicothema

ISSN: 0214-9915,  1886-144X

Year of publication: 2021

Volume: 33

Issue: 4

Pages: 564-570

Type: Article

DOI: 10.7334/PSICOTHEMA2021.60 DIALNET GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openOpen access editor

More publications in: Psicothema

Abstract

Background: Problematic use of smartphones is a challenge facing societies around the world. This phenomenon has been associated with negative socialization experiences through the impact they have on how the youth relates to their environment. This study was designed to examine parental and peer attachment, self-effi cacy and prosocial reasoning as predictors of different attitudes towards online communication and problematic smartphone use. Method: 561 youth aged 14-20 years (Mage = 17.82; SD = 1.64; 67.7% Female) participated in an online survey. Results: Results indicated that an increase in self-effi cacy or prosocial reasoning is correlated with a decrease in problematic smartphone use and attitudes towards online communication aimed at avoiding reality or constructing a more comfortable parallel social reality. Attachment to parents and peers had direct and indirect effects on problematic smartphone use and attitudes toward online communication through youth personal and social adjustment. Conclusions: Attachment plays a relevant role in the symptoms reduction of smartphone addiction and attitudes to online communication in youth, through its impact on self-effi cacy perceptions and prosocial reasoning

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Funding information

This work is the result of a grant for postdoctoral training and improvement abroad (20693/PD/18) to Clara L?pez-Mora financed by the Regional Ministry of Employment, Universities, Business and Environment of the CARM, through the Seneca Foundation-Science and Technology Agency of the Region of Murcia.

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