How perceived parental phubbing affects adolescent eating behavior: Roles of basic psychological needs satisfaction and gender
摘要
With the widespread use of digital devices, a phenomenon known as parental phubbing has become more and more prevalent. However, parental phubbing has been largely studied for its influences on adolescent mental health, with limited emphasis on its potential consequences for adolescent physical health. To gain a better understanding of this issue, based on basic psychological needs theory, this research examined the relationship between perceived parental phubbing on adolescent eating behaviors and the mediating role of basic psychological needs satisfaction (BPNS). Adolescent gender was also tested as a moderator of this mediated relationship. Data were collected in two waves with a three-month interval, using a sample of 237 early adolescents in China. Results showed that perceived parental phubbing was negatively associated with adolescents BPNS, predicting adolescents more unhealthy eating behavior and less healthy eating behavior. Moreover, this indirect effect was more pronounced in girls compared to boys. This study marks the preliminary exploration of the effects of perceived parental phubbing on physical health behaviors among adolescents. These results have practical implications for helping today’s youth develop healthy eating habits.