Mediation of expressive suppression and emotional well-being in the relationship between loneliness and mobile phone addiction among Chinese adolescents

The relationship between adolescent loneliness and mobile phone addiction has been well-documented; however, little is known about its underlying mechanisms. This study aimed to explore the mediation of expressive suppression and emotional well-being in the loneliness-mobile phone addiction link among Chinese adolescents. A total of 906 adolescents completed the related questionnaires in a cross-sectional study. Results have shown that higher levels of loneliness are associated with higher levels of mobile phone addiction. Meanwhile, the link between loneliness and mobile phone addiction could be independently mediated by expressive suppression and emotional well-being. The serial mediation effect of expressive suppression and emotional well-being could also explain the link between loneliness and mobile phone addiction. These findings highlight potential intervention directions targeting these factors to decrease mobile phone addiction.