The Mediating Effect of Self-Esteem on the Relationship Between Smartphone Dependency and Academic Helplessness of Adolescents According to the Smartphone Dependence REGULATION

Purpose: This study tried to verify the mediating effect of self-esteem in the effects of smartphone dependence among adolescents on academic helplessness. Method: 2,404 first-year middle school students were selected as research subjects using data form the second year of the Korea Children and Youth Panel Survey 2018. For the analysis method, the mediating effect was analyzed using the PROCESS macro 3.5(Model 4) suggested by Hayes(2017). Results: Results of the study First, there was a significant positive relationship and influence between smartphone dependence and academic helplessness of adolescents, Second, a significant negative relationship and influence between smartphone dependence and self-esteem, and Third, there was a significant negative relationship between academic helplessness and self-esteem. It has been found to influence negative relationships. Fourth, smartphone dependence indirectly affects academic helplessness through self-esteem and plays a partial mediating role. Conclusion: These results are meaningful in that they revealed the indirect mediating effect of self-esteem in the path that smartphone dependence leads to academic helplessness. Therefore, through the results of this study, it was suggested that various programs are needed to reduce smartphone dependence and academic helplessness, and to recognize and improve the importance of self-esteem in the educational field for correct study and growth of adolescents.