The Mediator Role of Self-Control in the Relationship Between Insecure Attachment Styles and Problematic Smartphone Use in Adolescents

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of self-control in the relationship between the fearful, dismissive, and preoccupied attachment styles of adolescents and their problematic smartphone use. In line with this purpose, the data were carried out with the participation of 221 high school students (47% male). The research was carried out with a predictive correlational method, which is one of the quantitative research patterns. Relationship scales questionnaire, smartphone addiction scale-short form and self-control scales were used to collect data. Structural equation modeling was used in the analysis of the data. As a result of the analysis, all three attachment styles were found to be negative predictors of self-control and self-control as negative predictors of problematic smartphone use. In addition, it has been found that self-control is fully mediated in the relationship between insecure attachment styles and problematic smartphone use.

Keywords

• Insecure Attachment Styles
• Self-Control
• Problematic Smartphone Use

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