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Correlates of problematic smartphone use among Chinese adolescents during COVID-19

Author

Listed:
  • Chao, Tong
  • Sit, Hao Fong
  • Chang, Chi Ian
  • Yuan, Guangzhe Frank
  • Chen, Chun
  • Shen, Jie
  • Montag, Christian
  • Elhai, Jon
  • Hall, Brian J.

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, adolescents experienced disruptions to their normal routines and faced significant uncertainty that may have increased psychological distress. According to the compensatory internet use theory, smartphone use may alleviate psychological stress, but overreliance on smartphones to cope with stress might lead to smartphone addiction. Hence, we investigated the prevalence of problematic smartphone use (PSU) during COVID-19 among Macao Chinese adolescents, associated correlates, and moderation effects of Fear of Missing Out on relations between psychological distress and PSU severity.

Suggested Citation

  • Chao, Tong & Sit, Hao Fong & Chang, Chi Ian & Yuan, Guangzhe Frank & Chen, Chun & Shen, Jie & Montag, Christian & Elhai, Jon & Hall, Brian J., 2026. "Correlates of problematic smartphone use among Chinese adolescents during COVID-19," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 180(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:180:y:2026:i:c:s0190740925005377
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108654
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    References listed on IDEAS

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