초기 청소년기의 미디어 기기 의존이 또래관계와 신체적 자아상을 통해 삶의 만족도에 미치는 종단적 영향 : 성별에 따른 조절효과를 중심으로

Longitudinal Effects of Media Device Dependence on Life Satisfaction in Early Adolescence: The Mediating Roles of Peer Relationships and Physical Self-Image, and the Moderating Effect of Gender

Background/Objectives: This study examined the dual mediating effects of physical self-image and peer relationships on the relationship between media device dependence and life satisfaction in early adolescence, as well as the moderating effects of gender. Methods: Data from the 13th to 15th waves of the Panel Study on Korean Children (PSKC) were used, with a sample of 1,218 participants. The target cohort comprised students from the 6th grade of elementary school to the 2nd year of middle school. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling. All analyses were performed using SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 22.0. Results: The findings are as follows. First, peer relationships mediate the relationship between dependence on media devices and life satisfaction. Second, peer relationships and physical self-image sequentially mediate the effects of media device dependence on life satisfaction. Third, gender moderated the effects: peer relationships mediated the relationship only in the female adolescent group. Consequently, the sequential mediation effects of media device dependence on life satisfaction through peer relationships and physical self-image presented only among female adolescents. The influence of peer relationships on physical self-image was significantly stronger among male adolescents. Conclusion/Implications: These findings imply that media literacy education and gender-differentiated approaches are essential for promoting positive peer relationships, healthy physical self-image, and greater life satisfaction, based on longitudinal evidence supporting these relationships.