Perceived attachment and problematic smartphone use in young people: mediating effects of self-regulation and prosociality

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-efficacy 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-efficacy 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-efficacy perceptions and prosocial reasoning.