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Psychological Factors Applicable to App Development for Overcoming Problematic Smartphone Use: A Structural Equation
1College of Liberal Arts, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea.
Psychiatry Investigation
|June 19, 2026
Summary
Problematic smartphone use is linked to lower self-control and higher attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Anxiety indirectly impacts smartphone use through depression, highlighting key psychological factors for app development.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Digital Health
- Mental Health
Background:
- Problematic smartphone use is a growing concern linked to negative mental health outcomes.
- Identifying psychological factors influencing smartphone use is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key psychological factors contributing to problematic smartphone use.
- To inform the development of digital health applications for managing smartphone overuse.
Main Methods:
- Structural equation modeling was employed using data from 691 smartphone users (ages 20-50).
- Models were developed based on anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, self-control, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Main Results:
- Lower self-control and higher ADHD symptoms correlated with increased problematic smartphone use.
- Anxiety symptoms indirectly influenced problematic smartphone use through depressive symptoms.
- The study confirmed good model fit using established scales.
Conclusions:
- Anxiety, depression, self-control, and ADHD are significant psychological factors in problematic smartphone use.
- These factors should be considered when designing health applications for smartphone overuse.
- Understanding these psychological links is vital for digital mental health strategies.
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