Anxiety Mood.  2023 Oct;19(2):100-107. 10.24986/anxmod.2023.19.2.010.

The Mediating Effects of Interpersonal Problems in the Association Between Depression and Smartphone Addiction Among Preadolescence

• Nam Y
• Kim MH
• Lee J
• Seo Y
• Min S

• KMID: 2547950
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.24986/anxmod.2023.19.2.010

Abstract

Objective
: This study aimed to estimate the mediating effect of interpersonal problems in the association between depression and smartphone addiction among preadolescence. We verified the gender differences and interpersonal problem subtypes.
Methods
: This cross-sectional study obtained data from 674 subjects aged 9-12 years. The questionnaire included the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Form Version (SAS-SV), the Kovacs’ Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), and the Korea Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (KIIP-SC). We analyzed data using Pearson’s correlation analysis and evaluated the mediating effect of interpersonal problems.
Results
: The CDI score showed positive correlations with associated with the SAS-SV and the KIIP. In the total group, the KIIP-PA (Domineering) (b=0.13, 95%CI [0.05, 0.22]), the KIIP-BC (Vindictive)(b=0.07, 95%CI [0.02, 0.14]) and the KIIP-NO (Intrusive) (b=0.07, 95%CI [0.02, 0.13]) significantly mediated the as-sociation between the CDI and the SAS-SV. In men, the mediating effect of the KIIP-PA (Domineering) (b=0.20, 95% CI [0.08, 0.35]) was significant. On the other hand, in women, the mediating effect of the KIIP-BC (Vindictive) (b=0.14, 95% CI [0.06, 0.25]) and the KIIP-NO (Intrusive) (b=0.08, 95% CI [0.02, 0.17]) were significant.
Conclusion
: Understanding the mediating role of interpersonal problems in the association between depression and smartphone addiction may help find the appropriate intervention target.

Keyword

Smartphone; Depression; Interpersonal problem