The path model of parenting style, attachment style, self-regulation and Smartphone addiction

Technological addiction is a common issue worldwide that has seldomly been investigated; this research has developed a possible path model on further acknowledgment of the problematic use of technology. Present study (N = 211 Chinese adults) has investigated the relationships of parenting styles (PS), attachment style (AS), self-regulation, self-esteem and Smartphone addiction (SA). Results show that PS considerably predicts different types of AS. Secure and anxious AS was desirably predicted self-regulation and self-esteem. Under self-regulation, higher impulse control also successfully predicts less SA, while goal setting negatively predicted SA. The model helps explore new relationships between Smartphone addiction and other constructs in an educational psychology aspect. It also helps gain insight on how parenting and self-regulation influences Smartphone usage. Programs which promote parenting skills and correct regulating skills are suggested.