THE MODERATING ROLE OF PERSONAL GROWTH INITIATIVE IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DYSFUNCTIONAL CELL PHONE USAGE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS

Abstract

The quick rise in adolescent mobile phone use during recent years has led to significant concerns about their psychological health. The study explores how dysfunctional mobile phone utilization affects psychological distress by evaluating stress and anxiety and depression symptoms alongside an investigation of how Personal Growth Initiative (PGI) serves as a buffer against these effects. PGI represents deliberate personal growth engagement that helps protect people who use technology from adverse effects. The researchers analyzed data from 384 adolescents residing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of Pakistan through purposive sampling procedures. A set of standardized measures was employed to evaluate mobile phone dependency together with psychological distress and Personal Growth Initiative. The assessment demonstrated that dysfunctional cell phone usage creates psychological distress yet PGI acts as a buffer by decreasing the severity of these emotional symptoms. Data showed that Gender together with socioeconomic status and family structure influenced the levels of PGI. Results indicate PGI serves as a useful preventive factor to protect adolescent mental health.