The mediating role of coping skills in the relationship between technology addiction and emotion regulation skills in gifted adolescents

Gifted adolescents are individuals who can combine knowledge, skills and creativity and use them effectively in one or more of the valuable areas of human performance. The importance of examining technology addiction, emotion regulation and coping skills in adolescents is increasing. The main purpose of this study is to examine the mediating role of coping skills in the relationship between technology addiction and emotion regulation skills in gifted adolescents. In this direction, the relational screening model was applied in this study. The study group of the study is 246 adolescents between the ages of 10-18 who study at Science and Art Centers and volunteered to participate in the study. In the study, “Demographic Information Form”, “Technology Addiction Scale”, “Emotion Regulation Scale in Children and Adolescents” and “Coping Scale for Adolescents” were applied and data were obtained. In demographic variables, the means of two groups were compared and independent sample t-test was performed. One-way ANOVA test was used in comparisons of more than two independent groups. In the evaluation of the dependent variable by the independent variable/variables, both univariate and multivariate regression analysis were performed. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated in the relationship analysis of the scales. As a result of the data analysis, it was determined that the level of technology addiction of adolescents was significantly high. The "negative coping" and "avoidant coping" levels of adolescents were significantly high. "Active coping" levels were significantly low. When the mediating role of coping skills in the relationship between technology addiction and emotion regulation skills in gifted adolescents was examined; according to the results obtained, it was determined that there was a negative and significant relationship between technology addiction and active coping. It was determined that there was a positive and significant relationship between technology addiction and negative coping. Coping strategy does not play a mediating role in the relationship between technology addiction and emotion regulation skills. However, in the analyses performed; it was shown that "avoidant coping strategy" played a full mediating role in the relationship between technology addiction and emotion regulation skills. When the mediating role of active coping strategies in the relationship between technology addiction and emotion regulation skills was examined; it was determined that active coping strategies did not play a mediating role. It is anticipated that the research will provide important information infrastructure for interventions regarding technology addiction, emotion regulation and coping skills of gifted adolescents.