The Impact of Emotional Regulation and Smartphone Dependency on Adolescent Psychological Well-Being in Post-Family Disruption Contexts

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by significant emotional, psychological, and social changes. Adolescents who experience family disruption, such as parental divorce or prolonged conflict, are particularly vulnerable to psychological distress. In recent years, increased smartphone dependency has emerged as a coping mechanism among adolescents, potentially influencing their emotional regulation and overall psychological well-being. This study aims to examine the impact of emotional regulation and smartphone dependency on adolescent psychological well-being within post-family disruption contexts. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from adolescents aged 13–18 years who experienced family disruption. Emotional regulation, smartphone dependency, and psychological well-being were measured using standardized psychological scales. The findings indicate that emotional regulation has a significant positive effect on psychological well-being, while smartphone dependency shows a negative association. Moreover, emotional regulation partially mediates the relationship between smartphone dependency and psychological well-being. These results highlight the importance of strengthening emotional regulation skills to mitigate the adverse psychological effects of excessive smartphone use among adolescents from disrupted family backgrounds. The study contributes to the growing body of psychological research by integrating emotional and digital behavioral factors within a vulnerable adolescent population and offers practical implications for psychological interventions and family-based counseling programs.