Problematic Smartphone Use, Depression, Loneliness, and Perceived Social Support: A Study of Moderated Mediation Model

Abstract

Problematic smartphone use is a contemporary issue that reduces individuals physical, emotional, and social functioning. Therefore, identifying factors related to problematic smartphone use is of significant importance. The aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between problematic smartphone use and depression. Additionally, the moderating role of perceived social support in the relationship between problematic smartphone use and loneliness is also investigated. The sample of the study consisted of 404 participants aged between 18 and 60 years (M = 31.11, SD = 9.06), including 258 females (63.86%) and 146 males (36.14%) living in Türkiye. During the data collection process, the Demographic Information Form, Smartphone Addiction Short Form, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and Beck Depression Scale Short Form were utilized. For data analysis, Model 4 and Model 7 of the PROCESS Macro were employed using the bootstrap method. The analysis results show that loneliness plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between problematic smartphone use and depression. That is, individuals with a high level of problematic smartphone use reported more loneliness and a higher level of depression. In addition, the findings revealed that perceived social support significantly moderated the relationship between problematic smartphone use and loneliness. The present study contributes to a better understanding of the mechanism underlying the relationship between problematic smartphone use and depression.