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Adverse childhood experiences and problematic technology use: The mediating role of satisfaction with life

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Abstract

Literature shows that people who have experienced adverse experiences in childhood (ACE) have a low level of well-being and may be involved in risky behaviors, such as problematic use of technology. Also, those with a lower level of life satisfaction is associated with excessive use of the Internet and mobile phone. This study aimed to explore the relationship between ACE, life satisfaction and excessive use of technology (internet and smartphone). The study was conducted on Romanian population (n = 357), aged between 18 and 59 years (M = 22.42), university students (n = 286) and non-students (n = 71). PROCESS Macro model 4, was used to analyze the mediating role of satisfaction with life in the relationship between ACE and technology addiction. The results revealed an indirect effect of life satisfaction on problematic Internet (95% CI = .437–1.240), and mobile phone use (95% CI = .483–2.145). These indicate that at least some of this effect occurs through life satisfaction as mediating variable due to the significant indirect effect. Thus, people who experiences a high level of ACE will report a low level of satisfaction with life. Also, those with a low level of life satisfaction will report an excessive use of Internet and mobile phone. The results of this study bring extra knowledge and shed new light on the psychological aspects of the early traumatic events and contribute to the understanding of the way people relate to this experiences.

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Data Availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available in the OSF repository, https://osf.io/hx7pd/?view_only=40772fdf046349ee9576322a2ca16d5a.

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  1. Department of Psychology, West University of Timisoara, Vasile Pârvan Blvd., 300223, Timișoara, Romania

    Otilia Ioana Tudorel

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Correspondence to Otilia Ioana Tudorel.

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Tudorel, O.I. Adverse childhood experiences and problematic technology use: The mediating role of satisfaction with life. Curr Psychol 42, 14681–14688 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-02723-w

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