Problematic smartphone use and functional somatic symptoms among adolescents: Mediating roles of depressive symptoms and peer relationships by gender

Eun Jung Bae, Da Eun Kim, Hae Sagong, Ju Young Yoon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between problematic smartphone use and depressive symptoms, peer relationships, and functional somatic symptoms with a representative sample of Korean male and female adolescents using serial multiple mediation models. The results identified the mediating effect of depressive symptoms and peer relationships for males in the association between problematic smartphone use and FSS. The serial mediating effect of the two mediators was also verified in the model for males. However, in the model for females, only depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between problematic smartphone use and FSS. The findings suggest that parents and professionals should assess adolescents with problematic smartphone use for the risk of FSS when depressive symptoms develop. Schools should also provide programs to build positive peer relationships to reduce FSS.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)25-31
Number of pages7
JournalArchives of Psychiatric Nursing
Volume40
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2022

Keywords

  • Adolescents
  • Functional somatic symptoms
  • Problematic smartphone use
  • School health

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