Examining the Relationship Between Smartphone Addiction, Trait Anxiety, Mental Well-Being, and Self-Regulation Skills in Adolescents

Adolescence is a critical period for psychological development. Identifying variables associated with mental well-being during this stage is essential for psychological health. Therefore, the present study examined the mediating roles of smartphone addiction and trait anxiety in the relationship between self-regulation skills and mental well-being among adolescents. The participants consisted of a total of 490 high school students, including 226 females (46.1%) and 264 males (53.9%), aged between 13 and 18 years. The findings revealed a significant and positive relationship between self-regulation skills and mental well-being. Analyses further indicated that smartphone addiction significantly mediated the relationship between self-regulation skills and mental well-being. Similarly, trait anxiety was found to play a significant mediating role in this relationship. Finally, the study demonstrated that the serial mediation of smartphone addiction and trait anxiety was significant in the relationship between self-regulation skills and mental well-being among adolescents. Based on these findings, it is suggested that school-based interventions designed to enhance self-regulation skills may support adolescents’ mental well-being. Furthermore, school-based preventive programs targeting smartphone addiction and trait anxiety may be implemented to help protect adolescents’ mental well-being.