Background: Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is a public health issue that is currently rising among adolescents.
The Compensatory Internet Use Theory (CIUT) poses that difficulties in handling negative life circumstances
could result in PSU. Furthermore, the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model
suggests that the interaction between core characteristics and affective and cognitive responses could lead to
PSU. The present study aimed to clarify the links between psychological distress and PSU by exploring rumination
as a mediator and emotional intelligence (EI) as a moderator.
Methods: A sample of 1882 adolescents (54% female, 46% male) completed measures of psychological distress,
rumination, EI and PSU. The PROCESS macro was used to conduct a moderated mediation analysis.
Results: The mediation results showed a significant indirect effect from psychological distress to PSU through
rumination. Furthermore, EI was a significant moderator of this effect. Thus, in adolescents with higher EI, the
effect of psychological distress on PSU through rumination was not significant.
Limitations: Cross-sectional data do not imply causality and further studies should use longitudinal designs. Selfreport
questionnaires may be susceptible to social desirability bias and future studies including other sources of
information may help to minimize such bias.
Conclusions: This study contributes to the field of problematic digital technology usage, showing that the link
between psychological distress and PSU depends on the EI levels, which might influence PSU indirectly through
rumination. Furthermore, empirical evidence for the CIUT and I-PACE models was provided. Lastly, interventions
aiming at training EI may aid in the prevention of PSU.
