J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2024 Nov;63(4):271-278. 10.4306/jknpa.2024.63.4.271.

The Mediating Effect of Smartphone Dependency on the Relationship Between Anxiety and Bedtime Among Korean Middle School Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Focusing on Differences by Gender and Economic Difficulties

• Jeong K
• Kim HJ
• Choi Y
• Kim TH

• KMID: 2561751
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2024.63.4.271

Abstract

Objectives
This study examined the mediating effects of smartphone dependence on the relationship between anxiety and delayed bedtime and analyzed the group differences based on gender and economic difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic among Korean adolescents.
Methods
Data from 4254 middle school students living in metropolitan areas and cohabiting with highly educated parents were analyzed using the 2020 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The participants were divided into four groups based on gender and economic difficulties caused by COVID-19. T-tests, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation analysis were conducted on each variable. The Baron–Kenny method and Sobel tests were used to verify the mediating effects.
Results
Female students showed higher levels of anxiety, smartphone dependence, and delayed bedtime. Groups experiencing economic difficulties due to COVID-19 reported higher levels of anxiety and smartphone dependence. Across all groups, positive correlations were observed between anxiety, smartphone dependence, and delayed bedtime. Smartphone dependence partially mediated the relationship between anxiety and delayed bedtime, except in the group of male students experiencing economic difficulties caused by COVID-19.
Conclusion
This study confirmed the associations between anxiety, smartphone dependence, and delayed bedtime among adolescents, suggesting the need for interventions related to smartphone use to support the mental health of adolescents in stressful situations.

Keyword

Adolescent; COVID-19; Sleep; Smartphone; Anxiety