Investigating the Relationship between Using Harmful Smartphones and Externalizing Problems: The Mediating Role of Self-control in Self-Harming Teenagers

Aim: The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between the uses of harmful smartphones and externalizing problems with the mediating role of self-control in a sample of self-harming teenagers. Methods: The research method was descriptive-correlation type. The statistical population of the study included all teenage boys and girls of Yazd city were between July and October in ۲۰۲۲-۲۳ in Yazd, Iran. Researchers selected clinics based on convenience methods and randomly selected self-harming teenagers. The data collection tool were Cell Phone Addiction Scale (CAC), Self-control Questionnaire (CSQ), and Child Behavior Checklist (CBC). Results: The results showed that the use of harmful smartphones had a direct and significant effect on aggressive behavior among self-harming teenagers (β=۰.۳۸۷, P=۰.۰۰۱). Similarly, the use of harmful smartphones had a direct and significant effect on the law-breaking behavior among self-harming teenagers (β=۰.۲۹۷; P=۰.۰۲۲). Also, self-control had a negative and significant effect on aggressive behavior (β=-۰.۵۴; P<۰.۰۱). In addition, self-control had a negative and significant effect on law-breaking behavior (β=-۰.۴۹۷; P<۰.۰۱). In the end, the results of the research showed that self-control had a negative and significant mediating role in the relationship between the use of harmful smartphones and externalizing problems in self-harming teenagers. Conclusion: Findings from this research indicate that teenagers who demonstrate good self-control may experience fewer behavioral difficulties and have a reduced tendency to harm themselves, regardless of their harmful smartphone usage. Findings have emphasized that greater attention should be given to assisting teenagers in developing their self-control capabilities.

Keywords:

Using Harmful SmartPhones , Externalizing Problems , self-control , Self-Harming Teenagers