Problematic phone use, depression, and technology interference among mothers.

Abstract

Abstract

In this study, we examined problematic mobile phone use, depression, and technology interference among 223 mothers of children aged 1 to 5, who were recruited from Amazon’s mTurk. As an extension of previous work on the topic, we also examined the time mothers reported spending in each of the parenting domains. Most mothers (76.7%–100%) reported that they engaged in the measured parenting activities with their children, and many (41.9%–71.8%) reported that technology interfered with those activities. Maternal depression was positively related to time spent with children during mealtime and joint technology use (e.g., TV viewing), and it was also related to technology interference in playtime and in doing chores with the child. Meanwhile, problematic phone use was positively related to time spent with children during meals, but it was significantly and positively related to technology interference in 9 of 11 parenting domains (e.g., playtime, mealtime, and playtime excursions). Finally, maternal depression was associated with problematic phone usage, which in turn was associated with technology interference in parenting

Impact Statement

Public Policy Relevance Statement—Our results highlight the potential need for (a) health care screening for maternal problematic mobile phone use alongside traditional maternal depression screens, and (b) policy recommendations aimed at parents’ and caregivers’ own use of media when interacting with children. These changes to health care and policy may help circumvent the potential negative issues (e.g., children’s negative, provocative behaviors and less sensitive parenting) that may result from technology interference in parenting

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-2020

Publication Title

Psychology of Popular Media

First Page

117

Last Page

124

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