Experiential Avoidance in the Relationship between Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Smartphone Addiction

Abstract

While the strong correlation between negative emotional experiences such as depression, anxiety, stress, and smartphone addiction, is well-established, understanding the mechanisms that mediate this relationship remains limited. The aim of this study is to investigate the mediating role of experiential avoidance in the relationships between depression, anxiety, stress, and smartphone addiction in university students. A sample of 546 university students from various regions of Türkiye participated in this study (426 females [78.3%] and 120 males [21.7%]). The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire, and Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version were employed for data collection. Structural equation modeling was employed for data analysis. After controlling for age and gender, the results revealed (i) significant positive associations between depression, anxiety, stress, experiential avoidance, and smartphone addiction; and (ii) experiential avoidance mediated the effects of depression, anxiety, and stress on smartphone addiction. These findings shed light on the effects of depression, anxiety, stress, and experiential avoidance on the comprehension and prevention of smartphone addiction.