Latent Profiles of Smartphone Use Among the Chinese Left-behind Adolescents: Associations with Psychological Well-being, Academic Expectations, and Behavioral Tendencies

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Abstract

This study employed latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify distinct subgroups of smartphone use among 605 Chinese left-behind adolescents (66.0% male, mean age = 14.74 years) using the Smartphone Addiction Scale. Four latent profiles emerged: Light Users , General Users, Watchful Users and Addicted Users. Results revealed significant differences across profiles in psychological well-being, academic expectations, and behavioral tendencies. Watchful Users exhibited the lowest levels of life satisfaction, meaning in life, and academic expectations, while Addicted Users reported the highest relative deprivation and conduct problem tendencies. Light Users demonstrated the most favorable outcomes. The findings highlight nuanced relationship between smartphone use patterns and adolescent functioning, suggesting targeted interventions for at-risk groups, to mitigate adverse effects on well-being and academic performance.

Authors

• Wangqian Fu, Beijing Normal University

• Guanyu Chen, University of British Columbia