Relatedness Need Dissatisfaction Perceived in Daily Life Increases Problematic Mobile Phone Use: A Longitudinal Mediation Model

Introduction Social relationships, specifically unsatisfying social relationships, play a critical role in the development of problematic mobile phone use (PMPU). However, few studies, particularly those employing longitudinal mediation models, have explored the underlying mechanisms. Drawing on the Interaction of Person‐Affect‐Cognition‐Execution model, the cognitive‐behavioral model, and the compensatory internet use theory, this study examines whether loneliness and maladaptive cognitions mediate the relationship between relatedness need dissatisfaction and PMPU. Methods A sample of 1060 Chinese secondary school students participated in this longitudinal study. Self‐reported questionnaires were administered at three time points, each separated by 6‐month intervals. The independent variable was assessed at Time 1, the mediating variables at Time 2, and the dependent variable at Time 3. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the relationships between relatedness need dissatisfaction, loneliness, maladaptive cognitions, and PMPU over time. Results Relatedness need dissatisfaction at T1 directly predicted PMPU at T3 after controlling for gender, but this effect was not observed when mediating factors were considered. In the integrated mediation model, relatedness need dissatisfaction at T1 exerted an indirect effect on PMPU at T3 through the mediating role of maladaptive cognitions at T2 solely and the sequential mediating role of loneliness and maladaptive cognitions at T2. Conclusions These findings underscore the importance of social relationships in the development of PMPU among adolescents, particularly revealing the effect through emotional and cognitive processes. Strategies aimed at strengthening social connections and addressing maladaptive cognitions may effectively mitigate PMPU, providing insights for prevention and intervention efforts for adolescents.