Maladaptive Smartphone use among Jordanian Adolescents: Prevalence, Correlations, and the Role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation

Background Maladaptive smartphone use (MSU) has emerged as a significant concern, particularly among adolescents. In Jordan, a country with a youthful population and high rates of smartphone engagement, understanding MSU and its psychological impacts is crucial. Objective The study aims to (i) determine the point prevalence and patterns of MSU among Jordanian adolescents, and (ii) examine whether cognitive emotion regulation strategies mediate the relationship between MSU and psychological health. Methods A cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational survey was conducted. Using a multistage sampling approach, the study targeted students aged 13 – 17 in Jordanian public and private schools, with schools randomly selected from each region. A structured questionnaire assessed sociodemographic data, smartphone addiction, cognitive emotion regulation, and psychological health targeting depression, anxiety, and stress. Results Among the 960 students who participated, 36% exhibited signs of MSU. Adolescents with high MSU reported significantly higher maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies than those with low MSU. Factors such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and academic performance influenced MSU levels. Maladaptive emotion regulation strategies partially mediated the relationship between MSU and psychological health, with high MSU linked to greater levels of emotional distress. Conclusion This study reveals a significant prevalence of MSU among Jordanian adolescents, with notable demographic variations. It proposes a link between MSU and psychological health, emphasizing the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation. These results contribute to the growing body of literature on smartphone use behaviors and their psychological implications, particularly within the context of Jordanian adolescents. The study’s insights are relevant for developing targeted interventions to mitigate MSU and its psychological impacts.