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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

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01-08-2021 | Addiction | Original Article

Psychological Distress, Emotion Dysregulation, and Coping Behaviour: a Theoretical Perspective of Problematic Smartphone Use

Authors: Lauren R. Squires, Kayla B. Hollett, Jackie Hesson, Nick Harris

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 4/2021

Abstract

While smartphones have proven advantageous for individuals and societies, preliminary findings suggest that some individuals may experience distress associated with excessive or problematic smartphone use. The current study presents an emotion dysregulation model of problematic smartphone use where emotion dysregulation theoretically mediates the association between psychological distress (i.e. depression, anxiety, and stress) and problematic smartphone use. Participants were recruited through an online student recruitment system at Memorial University in Newfoundland, Canada. Two hundred and four undergraduate students completed the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-18), and the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV). Bivariate correlations revealed significant positive associations between psychological distress, emotion dysregulation, and problematic smartphone use, and a bootstrapped mediation analysis revealed emotion dysregulation as an atemporal mediator in the relation between psychological distress and problematic smartphone use The current model expands upon previous research by using a more holistic conceptualization of emotion dysregulation that includes lack of emotional awareness and clarity, perceived limited access to effective regulation strategies, non-acceptance of emotions, difficulties engaging in goal-directed behaviour, and difficulties with impulse control.

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Title: Psychological Distress, Emotion Dysregulation, and Coping Behaviour: a Theoretical Perspective of Problematic Smartphone Use
Authors: Lauren R. Squires
Kayla B. Hollett
Jackie Hesson
Nick Harris
Publication date: 01-08-2021
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Addiction
Addiction
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 4/2021
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-020-00224-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Psychological Distress, Emotion Dysregulation, and Coping Behaviour: a Theoretical Perspective of Problematic Smartphone Use

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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