Smartphone addiction and phubbing behaviors in adolescents: Evaluation of the mediating role of alexithymia, the moderating roles of peer bullying and social competence

Aim: This study evaluated mediating effect of alexithymia, moderating effects of peer bullying and perceived social competence in the relationship between adolescent smartphone addiction(SA) and phubbing behaviour(PB). Methods: The research was conducted in a cross-sectional design between May and June 2023. Study population consists of 897 students attending seven secondary schools affiliated with Eskişehir Sivrihisar District Directorate of National Education. Study aimed to reach entire study population without sampling, and 837 students (93.31%) were included in research. "Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version", "Phubbing Scale", "Toronto Alexithymia Scale", "Adolescent Peer Relations Scale-Bully and Victim Form", and "Perceived Social Competence Scale" were used in study. Moderating roles were examined through hierarchical regression analysis, and mediating roles were tested using Baron and Kenny's Mediation Analysis approach. Results: Adolescents' SA has an effect on PB and alexithymia levels. Alexithymia levels influence PB, and there is a mediating role of alexithymia levels in the relationship between SA and PB. Interaction effect variables of SA x perceived social competence, SA x bullying perpetration, and SA x victimization were not found to have a significant effect on PB and the presence of a moderating effect cannot be asserted. Conclusions: Adolescents' SA affects their tendency to exhibit PB. There is a mediating role of alexithymia in the relationship between SA and PB. However, there is no moderating role of perceived social competence. Keywords: Adolescent, smartphone addiction, phubbing, alexithymia, peer bullying, social competence