Investigating the Relationship between Using Harmful Smartphones and Externalizing Problems: The Mediating Role of Self-control in Self-Harming Teenagers

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Clinical Psychology, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. Kerman, Iran.

2 Clinical Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Yazd, Iran.

10.22098/jpc.2024.13523.1185

Abstract

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.

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