Developmental Trajectories of Childhood Emotional Maltreatment and Smartphone Addiction in Primary School Children: Based on a Three-Year Longitudinal Study

Primary school children are in a critical period of growth, and childhood emotional maltreatment (CEM) can have a tremendous negative impact, leading to smartphone addiction (SPA). Considering developmental trajectories has significant implications for understanding the relationship between CEM and SPA. This study was conducted with 208 Chinese primary school children to investigate the developmental trajectories of SPA and CEM during children's development, the relationship between the two developmental trajectories, and the influence of gender on the two developmental trajectories through a three-year, three-wave longitudinal study. The study found a linear increase with age in both SPA and CEM in primary school children. Further, the initial level of SPA was significantly higher in boys than girls. Finally, the developmental trajectory of CEM positively predicted the developmental trajectory of SPA. This study contributes to understanding the developmental trajectory of SPA and CEM in the child population. It provides theoretical support and practical guidance for preventing and intervening SPA in children from the perspective of the family environment.

Automated summary

This three-year, three-wave longitudinal study with 208 Chinese primary school children found a linear increase in both smartphone addiction (SPA) and childhood emotional maltreatment (CEM) as the children grew older. Boys had a higher level of SPA compared to girls. Additionally, the developmental trajectory of CEM positively predicted the developmental trajectory of SPA.