Comparison of Factors related to Smartphone Dependency among Middle School, High School, and College Students based on the Seventh Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study investigated differences in the relationships of factors including emotional problems, self-perception, parental behavior, and peer attachment with smartphone dependency (SD) among middle school, high school, and college students in South Korea. METHODS: This study used data from a nationwide sample of 1,882 middle school, 1,821 high school, and 1,346 college students who owned smartphones. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were conducted to investigate the predictors of SD based on school level. RESULTS: SD scores significantly differed across school levels. Female gender, more aggressive behavior, less ego-identity, and less monitoring parental behavior were linked to higher SD at all school levels. Less self-esteem and intrusive parental behavior were linked to SD in middle school students. In high school students, additional factors related to higher levels of SD were resilience, intrusive / inconsistent parental behavior, peer trust and alienation, and depression. Additionally, resilience, over-expectant parental behavior, and peer trust were linked to higher SD in college students. CONCLUSION: This study provides insights into SD and predictors of SD among middle school, high school, and college students. Based on these findings, SD prevention programs should be developed according to the developmental stages of adolescents and young adults.