Daily Texting and Media Use Linked to Worse Mental Health Symptoms in at-Risk Teens

An in-depth examination of teens' daily texting and technology use demonstrates that mental health symptoms and media use may influence each other over time.

Adolescents with mental health problems are known to use more media, but directionality of associations has been unclear, and many prior studies were conducted before most teens owned mobile devices.

Researchers conducted an intensive assessment of daily technology use in 151 at-risk teens (i.e., from low-income households with parent report of behavioral difficulties, inattention or hyperactivity, substance use) ages 11 to 15 years. After completing baseline mental health surveys, teens were provided with smartphones that beeped 3 times per day for 30 days with brief surveys about that day's mental health symptoms and technology use. Self-regulation and conduct problems were assessed at 18 months.

Participants reported being online an averag…

Reviewing Author

Jenny Radesky, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMelissa & Doug Toys (Consultant and Board of Directors)

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute for Child Health and Development; National Institutes of Health

Jenny Radesky, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMelissa & Doug Toys (Consultant and Board of Directors)

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute for Child Health and Development; National Institutes of Health

Daily Texting and Media Use Linked to Worse Mental Health Symptoms in at-Risk Teens

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Reviewing Author