Executive function in adolescents with problematic smartphone use

Abstract

Adolescence is a crucial stage for prefrontal cortex development, a brain area responsible for control goal-oriented behaviours, known as executive functioning (EF). Consequently, adolescents have a greater risk of problematic smartphone use (PSU). The current study aimed to examine the EF in adolescents with and without PSU. The participants included 110 students (44.5% males) ranging in age from 13 to 18 years (M = 15.77; SD = 1.84). They completed a PSU scale and a set of tasks that assess the components of the EF system. Parents were also asked to evaluate their children’s EF using a behaviour rating inventory. We found significant differences between problematic and non-problematic smartphone users on parent-report measures but not on performance-based measures. These results indicate that adolescents with PSU may show greater difficulties in regulating their own behaviour and emotional responses, but they can manage their cognitive processes effectively.