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The Impact of Addictive Behaviors and Online Behaviors on Adolescents’ Conflict Management Ability: A Psychosocial and Legal Perspective

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  • Mihaela Rus

    (Faculty of Law and Administrative Sciences, Ovidius University, Aleea Universității, nr. 1, 900470 Constanta, Romania
    Institute of Psychology and Philosophy of the Romanian Academy, 050711 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Mariana Floricica Călin

    (Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ovidius University, Bulevardul Mamaia, nr. 124, 900527 Constanta, Romania)

  • Mihaela Luminița Sandu

    (Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ovidius University, Bulevardul Mamaia, nr. 124, 900527 Constanta, Romania)

  • Mihai Ștefănoaia

    (Faculty of Law and Administrative Sciences, „Ștefan cel Mare” University Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania)

  • Carmen-Mihaela Baiceanu

    (Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ovidius University, Bulevardul Mamaia, nr. 124, 900527 Constanta, Romania)

  • Maria Pescaru

    (Pitesti University Center, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 060042 București, Romania)

  • Constantina Alina Ilie Miloș

    (Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ovidius University, Bulevardul Mamaia, nr. 124, 900527 Constanta, Romania)

  • Florin Lobonț

    (Faculty of Letters, History, Philosophy and Theologt, West University of Timișoare, Bd. Vasile Pârvan nr. 4, 300223 Timișoara, Romania)

  • Ramona Băluțescu

    (Doctoral School of Philosophy, Sociology and Political Sciences, West University of Timișoare, Bd. Vasile Pârvan nr. 4, 300223 Timișoara, Romania)

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between addictive behaviors, online behaviors, and adolescents’ ability to manage conflict. Effective conflict management is influenced by emotional self-regulation, empathy, and the digital environment. The literature suggests that deficits in these areas may exacerbate antisocial behavior and social adjustment difficulties. This study evaluates the influence of emotional intelligence, addictive behaviors, and online behaviors on conflict management. The hypotheses include adolescents with a high level of emotional adjustment who manage conflicts more effectively (H2) and that addictive and problematic online behaviors increase the risk of conflict escalation (H1, H3). The research involved 403 adolescents, selected through non-probabilistic methods using structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis included normality tests, Spearman’s correlations, and Mann-Whitney U tests to identify group differences. Adolescents with high emotional adjustment obtained significantly higher scores in conflict management and emotional self-regulation. Addictive and problematic online behaviors are associated with more significant difficulties in conflict management. Adolescents involved in minor crimes demonstrate deficits in emotion and conflict management. The results confirm the essential role of emotional intelligence in conflict management and the negative impact of addictive and problematic online behavior. Educational interventions promoting emotional intelligence development and responsible use of technology can reduce antisocial behaviors and improve adolescents’ social adjustment.

Suggested Citation

  • Mihaela Rus & Mariana Floricica Călin & Mihaela Luminița Sandu & Mihai Ștefănoaia & Carmen-Mihaela Baiceanu & Maria Pescaru & Constantina Alina Ilie Miloș & Florin Lobonț & Ramona Băluțescu, 2025. "The Impact of Addictive Behaviors and Online Behaviors on Adolescents’ Conflict Management Ability: A Psychosocial and Legal Perspective," Societies, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:15:y:2025:i:5:p:141-:d:1660761
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    1. Sonia Livingstone & Ellen Helsper, 2010. "Balancing opportunities and risks in teenagers' use of the internet: the role of online skills and internet self-efficacy," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 35373, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
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