Adolescents' mental health, problematic internet use, and their parents' rules on internet use: A latent profile analysis

Abstract

This study explored the connection between adolescent problematic internet use (PIU), mental health, and parents’ rules on internet use. From a person-centered approach, this study considered the coexistence of multiple mental health indicators for adolescents, including psychopathological risks (i.e., depressive symptoms, anxiety, and loneliness) and psychosocial well-being (i.e., social support, meaning, and competence). A latent profile analysis of 4592 U.S. adolescents revealed five distinct mental health profiles, with adolescents having psychopathological risks being most susceptible to PIU. Additionally, parents reported their rules on adolescent internet use. Strict parental rules on time increased PIU for adolescents of psychopathological risks, while restrictions on content viewed online reduced chances of PIU for these adolescents. These findings offer a deeper understanding of the complex mental health experiences of U.S. adolescents and underscore the significance of person-centered associations between mental health and PIU.