How is problematic smartphone use related to adolescent depression? A moderated mediation analysis.

Recent research shows that problematic smartphone use is a risk factor for individual depression, however, little is known about the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relation. The present study investigated (a) the mediating role of procrastination in the association between problematic smartphone use and adolescent depression, and (b) the moderating role of perceived social support in the relationships between problematic smartphone use and adolescent depression. This model was examined with 772 Chinese adolescents (mean age = 16.81 years, SD = 0.73). The results indicated that problematic smartphone use was positively related to adolescent depression. Mediation analyses revealed that procrastination partially mediated this relationship. Moderated mediation further indicated perceived social support moderated the link between procrastination and adolescent depression, with the effect being significant only for adolescents with a low level of perceived social support. These findings highlight the importance of identifying the mechanisms that moderate the mediated paths between problematic smartphone use and adolescent depression. • Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is related to depression (Dep). • Procrastination (Pro) mediates the link between PSU and Dep. • Perceived social support moderates the link between Pro and Dep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]