The chain mediating effect of self-respect and self-control on the relationship between parent-child relationship and mobile phone dependence among middle school students

Abstract This study aims to examine the impact of parent-child relationship on smartphone dependence among middle school students and explore the mediating role of self-respect and self-control. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the Parent-Child Relationship Scale, Smartphone Dependence Scale, Self-Respect Scale, and Self-Control Scale with a sample of 2,311 middle school students. Correlation analysis revealed positive correlations among parent-child relationship, self-respect, and self-control. Specifically, the parent-child relationship was positively correlated with self-respect (r = 0.454) and self-control (r = 0.423), and negatively correlated with smartphone dependence (r=-0.380). Smartphone dependence was negatively correlated with self-respect (r=-0.409) and self-control (r=-0.629). Self-respect was positively correlated with self-control (r = 0.519). Structural equation modeling indicated that self-respect and self-control partially mediated the relationship between parent-child relationship and smartphone dependence. The mediation effect of self-respect was − 0.0843 (effect size = 8.99%, 95% CI=-0.1303 to -0.0379), and the mediation effect of self-control was − 0.3149 (effect size = 33.59%, 95% CI=-0.3802 to -0.2500). The total chain mediation effect of self-respect and self-control was − 0.2499 (effect size = 26.66%, 95% CI=-0.2915 to -0.2119). Self-respect and self-control serve as a chain-mediated pathway between parent-child relationship and smartphone dependence among middle school students.