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

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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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  1. Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 230 Elizabeth Avenue, St. John’s, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada

    Lauren R. Squires, Kayla B. Hollett & Nick Harris

  2. Faculty of Education, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Canada

    Jackie Hesson

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Squires, L.R., Hollett, K.B., Hesson, J. et al. Psychological Distress, Emotion Dysregulation, and Coping Behaviour: a Theoretical Perspective of Problematic Smartphone Use. Int J Ment Health Addiction 19, 1284–1299 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-020-00224-0

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