Does parent-child relationship intervene smartphone addiction through reducing stress and negative emotions?

• In Event: Roundtable: Stressful Life in South Korea

Abstract

A high prevalence of smartphone addiction among adolescents has been issued in South Korea. Smartphone addiction among juveniles is problematic because it leads to negative consequences, including low academic performance, cognitive malfunctions, physical health issues. According to Agnew’s General Strain Theory (GST), adolescents’ stressors, such as academic stress, relationship with others (parents or friends) and economic problems, may explain their smartphone dependence and addiction. Drawing from the GST framework, this study examines the relationship between stressors (i.e., parent conflicts, academic issues, peer relationship, and appearance concerns), negative emotions, and smartphone addiction among Korean adolescents. Using the data from the 2021 Korean Children and Youth Well-Being Index (KCYWI) Survey (n = 7,267), this study specifically examines the role of the parent-child relationship as a conditioning factor, contributing to the GST literature and providing further insight into smartphone addiction. Findings and implications are discussed, with an emphasis on smartphone addition prevention and future direction of research.

Authors

• Hyunjung Cheon, University of Texas at El Paso

• Hyunin Baek, New Mexico State University

• Danee Lee, University of Cincinnati