The Effects of Parenting Behaviors, a Youth’s Personal Characteristics during a Transition Period, and Peer Attachment, on School Life: Assessing the Mediating Effect of Cell Phone Dependence

Abstract

This study explores how the main variables of youth going through a transition period (parents’ nurturing behavior, the youth’s self-esteem and ego resilience, the peer group relationships) affect the youth’s school adjustment. It also analyzes the effects of theses variables on the youth’s dependence on cell phones, which are considered a necessity in modern society. This research is verified by using a structure model verification method based on data from the Korean Children Youth Panel Study. According to the research, first, 1st-year students in middle school show better adjustment to their school life and less dependence on cell phones when they have a stronger sense of self-esteem and ego resilience; further, it is revealed that cell phone dependence has an indirect influence on the school life of these children. Second, they tend to show better adjustment to their school life and less dependence on cell phones when their parents’ nurturing behaviors are more positive. Third, these children tend to depend more on cell phones when they have a positive peer group relationship, Moreover, cell phone dependence has an indirect influence on their school life. When considering the impact of cell phone to youth in modern society, need to prepare proper training program for correct uses and preventing from addiction. Keywords: school adjustment, cell phone dependence, personal characteristic, parenting behaviors, peer relationships