The effect of family communication on anxiety and depression among adolescents: the mediating role of intimate relationship violence and problematic internet use

Abstract

[Objective]: The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between family communication, intimate relationship violence, problematic internet use, anxiety, and depression and validate their potential mediating role. [Methods]: The study population consisted of Chinese adolescents aged 12 to 18 years, and a cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2022. Structural equation models were constructed using AMOS 25.0 software to examine the factors that influence adolescent anxiety and depression and the mediating effects of problematic internet use and intimate relationship violence. [Results]: The results indicate that family communication was significantly and negatively related to intimate relationship violence (β = -0.309, p < 0.001), problematic internet use (β = -0.039, p < 0.05), depression (β= -0.081, p < 0.001), and anxiety (β = -0.092, p < 0.001). And the finds also indicate that imitate relationship violence mediated the relationships between family communication and depression (β = -0.108, CI: -0.133 -0.087), and between family communication and anxiety (β= -0.098; CI: -0.124 -0.079). Chain indirect effects between family communication and depression (β = -0.051; CI: -0.065 -0.041) or anxiety (β = -0.046; CI: -0.057 -0.037) via imitate relationship violence and then through problematic internet use were also found in the present study. [Conclusions]: In conclusion, positive family communication is crucial in reducing anxiety and depression in adolescents. Moreover, problematic internet use and intimate relationship violence mediate the effects of positive family communication on anxiety and depression. Therefore, improving family communication and promoting interventions aimed at reducing intimate relationship violence and problematic internet use can help reduce anxiety and depression in adolescents, thus promoting their healthy development.