Parent-Adolescent Mobile Phone Addiction and Mental Health: Actor-Partner Effects in 4,633 Chinese Dyads.

BACKGROUND

Mobile phone addiction is a growing concern for mental health, especially among adolescents. Previous studies link overuse to anxiety and depression, but dyadic effects within family dynamics remain unclear.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study involved 4,633 parent-adolescent dyads from the Guangdong Mental Health Survey. Mobile phone addiction in adolescents was assessed using three items from the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, while two items from the same scale were employed for parents. Adolescent depression was evaluated using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, whereas parent depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire. Anxiety levels in both groups were measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale. Actor-Partner Interdependence Models were used to assess the effects of mobile phone addiction on individual and dyadic symptoms.

RESULTS

The model fit for mobile phone addiction and depression was acceptable (CFI=0.970, RMSEA=0.054). Moderate actor effects were identified, indicating that mobile phone addiction was associated with depression symptoms in both groups (βadolescents=0.279, βparents=0.271, all P < 0.001). Additionally, two small partner effects were observed (βparents-adolescents=0.065, β adolescents-parents=0.063, all P < 0.001). Similarly, the model fit for mobile phone addiction and anxiety was acceptable (CFI=0.975, RMSEA=0.046). Moderate actor effects noted for both adolescents (β=0.288, P < 0.001) and parents (β=0.250, P < 0.001), as well as small partner effects (βparents-adolescents=0.062, βadolescents-parents=0.061, all P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The findings highlight the interrelationship between mobile phone addiction and mental health in adolescents and their parents. Healthcare providers could consider implementing structured, family‑based interventions that target phone use patterns, communication, and coping strategies to promote healthier habits and mental well‑being. Furthermore, longitudinal studies and comprehensive measurement approaches are essential to better understand these complexities.