Health Psychology Research / HPR / Online First / DOI: 10.14440/hpr.2589845
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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Maladaptive Smartphone use among Jordanian Adolescents: Prevalence, Correlations, and the Role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation

Fatimah S. Tarawneh1 ,  Alaa Abuattallah2 ,  Latefa Ali Dardas3*
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1 Princess Muna College of Nursing, Mutah University, Al-kark 61710, Jordan
2 Department of Maternal and Child Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Applied Science Private University, Faculty of Nursing, Amman 11937, Jordan
3 Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
HPR, e81240008 https://doi.org/10.14440/hpr.2589845
Submitted: 10 February 2025 | Accepted: 6 March 2025 | Published: 4 August 2025
© 2025 by the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution -Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC-by the license) ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ )
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Abstract

Background

Maladaptive smartphone use (MSU) has emerged as a significant concern, particularly among adolescents. In Jordan, a country with a youthful population and high rates of smartphone engagement, understanding MSU and its psychological impacts is crucial.

Objective

The study aims to (i) determine the point prevalence and patterns of MSU among Jordanian adolescents, and (ii) examine whether cognitive emotion regulation strategies mediate the relationship between MSU and psychological health.

Methods

A cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational survey was conducted. Using a multistage sampling approach, the study targeted students aged 13 – 17 in Jordanian public and private schools, with schools randomly selected from each region. A structured questionnaire assessed sociodemographic data, smartphone addiction, cognitive emotion regulation, and psychological health targeting depression, anxiety, and stress.

Results

Among the 960 students who participated, 36% exhibited signs of MSU. Adolescents with high MSU reported significantly higher maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies than those with low MSU. Factors such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and academic performance influenced MSU levels. Maladaptive emotion regulation strategies partially mediated the relationship between MSU and psychological health, with high MSU linked to greater levels of emotional distress.

Conclusion

This study reveals a significant prevalence of MSU among Jordanian adolescents, with notable demographic variations. It proposes a link between MSU and psychological health, emphasizing the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation. These results contribute to the growing body of literature on smartphone use behaviors and their psychological implications, particularly within the context of Jordanian adolescents. The study’s insights are relevant for developing targeted interventions to mitigate MSU and its psychological impacts.

Keywords
Maladaptive smartphone use
School adolescents
Jordan
Internet addiction
Funding
This study was funded by the University of Jordan Deanship of Scientific Research (Grant number 18/2023).
Conflict of interest
The authors declare no competing interests.
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