Relationships between smartphone overdependence, self-concept, and mental health among Korean adolescents: Structural equation modelling

BACKGROUND: In recent years, Korean adolescents have experienced a decline in the quality of their social relationships due to increased social media usage and screen time, which have been associated with various adverse effects on their mental health. Accordingly, developing effective strategies to prevent and address mental health issues among this population is imperative. This study aims to test a hypothetical model that elucidates the factors influencing the mental health of Korean adolescents. We hypothesized that smartphone overdependence would negatively affect self-concept, which in turn would influence mental health, indicating a mediating role of self-concept. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 328 students (39.9% middle school and 60.1% high school) from Incheon Metropolitan City, South Korea. Data were collected via an online survey between October and November 2020, assessing smartphone overdependence, self-concept, and mental health. The model was tested using structural equation modeling. RESULTS: The hypothesized model demonstrated a good fit to the data (χ²/df = 2.562, GFI= 0.967, AGFI= 0.928, CFI = 0.975, TLI = 0.956, SRMR= 0.034, and RMSEA = 0.069). Of the four hypothesized paths, three were supported. Smartphone overdependence exerted an indirect effect on mental health through the mediating role of self-concept, whereas self-concept had a direct effect on mental health. Overall, the structural equation model accounted for 87.0% of the variance in mental health, indicating strong explanatory power of smartphone overdependence and self-concept. CONCLUSIONS: This structural equation model can serve as a comprehensive theoretical framework to explain the relationships among smartphone overdependence, self-concept, and mental health in Korean adolescents. The study findings provide empirical evidence that can inform the development of targeted strategies to promote mental health within this population.