Effects of chronic stress on smartphone addiction: A moderated mediation model

Abstract

IntroductionBased on the compensatory Internet use theory and diathesis-stress model, the present study explores the effects of chronic stress on smartphone addiction (SPA). As intolerance of uncertainty and emotion-related variables are important factors that affect addictive behavior, we explore the mediating role of intolerance of uncertainty and the moderating role of emotion differentiation.MethodsWe conducted a questionnaire survey of 286 participants (13.64% female; Mage = 22.88; SD = 3.77; range = 17–39) on chronic stress, SPA, intolerance of uncertainty, and emotion differentiation. SPSS 28.0 was used to analyze the descriptive statistics and correlations and test the moderated mediation model.ResultsWe find that (1) intolerance of uncertainty, SPA, and chronic stress are positively correlated with each other. Positive emotion differentiation is positively correlated with intolerance of uncertainty and negative emotion differentiation. (2) Intolerance of uncertainty plays a mediating role in chronic stress and SPA. (3) Positive emotion differentiation significantly moderates the relationship between chronic stress and SPA. Under the condition of low positive emotion differentiation, chronic stress is more effective in predicting SPA.DiscussionThese findings may contribute to intervention and prevention programs for SPA. Thus, the intervention and prevention of SPA can start from two directions-reduce the intolerance of uncertainty and enhance the ability to experience positive emotion differentiation.

A moderated chain mediation model examining the relation between smartphone addiction and intolerance of uncertainty among master's and PhD students

“…This result confirms hypothesis 1. A recent study found that an intolerance of uncertainty mediates the link between chronic stress and SPA [ 13 ]. Another study [ 86 ] found that intolerance of uncertainty strongly predicts problematic smartphone use a month later.…”

“…Nevertheless, smartphone addiction (SPA), which develops from heavy smartphone use, has emerged as a complicated and growing public health concern, particularly among youth [ 9 , 10 ]. Addiction to smartphones is considered a behavioral addiction, implying that despite the considerable adverse effects of smartphone use, individuals continue to engage in excessive and uncontrolled smartphone usage [ [11] , [12] , [13] ]. SPA has been associated with psychological problems [ 14 ].…”

Are Cyberchondria and Intolerance of Uncertainty Related to Smartphone Addiction?

“…This intervention could also be a treatment of choice based on our finding that symptoms of depression and anxiety were no longer significant after including IU in the model but also based on the existing knowledge that IU underpins various emotional and behavioral problems (Mahoney & McEvoy, 2012 ; McEvoy & Mahoney, 2012 ). Finally, Qiu and colleagues (Qiu et al, 2023 ) have also recently recognized that targeting IU in therapy could be a preventive measure for PSU/SA.…”