University of Mohaghegh Ardabili Preventive Counseling 2783-1825 5 2 2024 05 01 Investigating the Relationship between Using Harmful Smartphones and Externalizing Problems: The Mediating Role of Self-control in Self-Harming Teenagers 91 108 2996 10.22098/jpc.2024.13523.1185 EN Mina Mosalaee Pour Yazdi Clinical Psychology, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. Kerman, Iran. Sima Sadat Hashemiyeh Clinical Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Yazd, Iran. Journal Article 2023 08 19 Aim: The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between the uses of harmful smartphones and externalizing problems with the mediating role of self-control in a sample of self-harming teenagers. Methods: The research method was descriptive-correlation type. The statistical population of the study included all teenage boys and girls of Yazd city were between July and October in 2022-23 in Yazd, Iran. Researchers selected clinics based on convenience methods and randomly selected self-harming teenagers. The data collection tool were Cell Phone Addiction Scale (CAC), Self-control Questionnaire (CSQ), and Child Behavior Checklist (CBC). Results: The results showed that the use of harmful smartphones had a direct and significant effect on aggressive behavior among self-harming teenagers (β=0.387, P=0.001). Similarly, the use of harmful smartphones had a direct and significant effect on the law-breaking behavior among self-harming teenagers (β=0.297; P=0.022). Also, self-control had a negative and significant effect on aggressive behavior (β=-0.54; P<0.01). In addition, self-control had a negative and significant effect on law-breaking behavior (β=-0.497; P<0.01). In the end, the results of the research showed that self-control had a negative and significant mediating role in the relationship between the use of harmful smartphones and externalizing problems in self-harming teenagers. Conclusion: Findings from this research indicate that teenagers who demonstrate good self-control may experience fewer behavioral difficulties and have a reduced tendency to harm themselves, regardless of their harmful smartphone usage. Findings have emphasized that greater attention should be given to assisting teenagers in developing their self-control capabilities. https://jpc.uma.ac.ir/article_2996_9e862c022ba5918183259d0f08942ab4.pdf