Sequential Dual Mediating Effects of Smartphone Dependence and Aggression on the Relationship Between Negative Parenting Attitudes and Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescents

ABSTRACT This study examined the sequential dual mediating effects of negative parenting attitudes, smartphone dependence and aggression on depressive symptoms among adolescents. Data were obtained from the 2018 Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS) conducted by the National Youth Policy Institute. Using a multistage stratified cluster sampling method, the 2018 KCYPS comprehensively examined various aspects of the growth and development of children and adolescents. The study sample included a nationally representative sample of 2541 adolescents. PROCESS macro Model 6 was used to examine the sequential dual mediating model that not only examines the effects of negative parenting attitudes on smartphone dependence and aggression but also establishes the sequential causal relationship between smartphone dependence and aggression, ultimately confirming the direct and indirect effects on depressive symptoms of adolescents. The significance of the mediation effect was verified by applying the bootstrapping method. The findings demonstrated that negative parenting attitudes increased smartphone dependence, which, in turn, elevated depressive symptoms among adolescents. Furthermore, negative parenting attitudes increased smartphone dependence, which heightened aggression, ultimately contributing to depressive symptoms among adolescents. Based on these findings, this study has practical and policy implications for preventing depressive symptoms among adolescents. Prioritizing efforts to reduce smartphone dependence and aggression among adolescents while promoting positive parenting attitudes can play a crucial role in addressing this issue.