Exploring Deeper Causes Linking Adolescents’ Mental Disorder to Mobile Phone Usage Problems: A Grounded Theory Approach (Preprint)
BACKGROUND Evidence from a variety of studies links mobile phone usage (MPU) with the increase in mental health problems, with the situation being particularly prevalent in China and exacerbated by the COVID-19 quarantine. OBJECTIVE To reveal underlying connections between MPU and mental disorders of adolescents and develop a theory to help parents and counseling psychologists better understand and intervene in future cases. METHODS 37 teenagers having both mental health and MPU problems, along with their parents were included for individual interviews. These interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using qualitative methods of grounded theory (GT). RESULTS Grades-ranking-only judgment is one of the main factors causing problems such as defective family bonding and peer influences, pushing teenagers with mental disorders to seek comfort in the virtual world through their cellphones. CONCLUSIONS This theory is not only inspiring for psychological counseling and therapy on adolescents with mental problems, but it is also beneficial for school educators and parents to better understand the adolescents. Findings of the study are also particularly noteworthy during the current period when parents whose works are substantially affected by the pandemic should try to build a relaxing and cozy atmosphere at home to avoid possible conflict outbreaks.