The psychological distress mediates the relationship between electronic devices use and insomnia in adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: The relationships among electronic devices (e-devices) use, insomnia, and psychological distress are complex. This study aimed to examine the relationships between e-devices use and the outcomes of insomnia and psychological distress with insomnia and psychological as mediators. Design: This is a correlational study utilized cross-sectional data on hours of e-devices use, insomnia, and psychological distress from 485 randomly selected Jordanian adolescents. The PROCESS macro for SPSS was used for the aim of this study. Results: The hours of e-devices use predicted psychological distress. The results of mediation analysis showed that the relationship between the hours of e-devices use, and insomnia was mediated by psychological distress scores (indirect effect size=.0462 with 95% confidence interval (CI).0095 and.0837). However, the relationship between the hours of e-devices use and psychological distress was not mediated by insomnia (indirect effect size=.0247 with 95% CI-.0063 and.0569). Conclusion: The hours of e-devices use may exert its effect on insomnia through psychological distress, which may lead to insomnia. This data does not support the hypothesis that insomnia may mediate the relationship between e-devices use and psychological distress. Further research on this topic is warranted. The study supports policymakers and a collaborative team of parents, educators, and health professionals to prevent the harmful effects of excessive e-devices.