The relationship between digital addiction and social anxiety, trait anger and anger expression style in adolescents

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between adolescents' digital addiction levels and their social anxiety, trait anger and anger expression styles.

The study was devised as a descriptive and correlational research study. The sample consisted of 958 adolescents in Konya, Turkey. The data were collected via Personal Information Form, Digital Addiction Scale for Children, Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents, and Trait Anger and Anger Expression Style Scale.

The total mean score of digital addiction in adolescents was found as 56.74 ± 19.02. A significant relationship was found between digital addiction, and trait anger, anger out, anger in, anger control and social anxiety levels (p < 0.01). Grade, mother's educational and employment status, trait anger, anger out, anger in, anger control, and social anxiety explain 69.3 % of the variation on digital addiction levels.

As digital addiction levels increase, social anxiety, trait anger, anger in, and anger out levels also increase. However, the level of anger control decreases as digital addiction levels rise. These variables are predictors of digital addiction levels.

To protect and improve adolescent health concerning biopsychosocial aspects, comprehensive educational programs and seminars about digital addiction should be organized for families and adolescents by nurses in collaboration with educational institutions. To assist adolescents in managing negative emotions such as social anxiety and anger more effectively, nurses should encourage the engagement in a variety of activities and hobbies in educational and extracurricular social settings in addition to developing and implementing relevant psychoeducational programs.