Papel dos comportamentos online e da regulação emocional no bem-estar dos adolescentes

Abstract

Nowadays, online behavior plays a decisive role in the well-being of adolescents. The literature highlights the importance that emotional regulation plays in the adequacy of these behaviors, constituting a determining factor in the well-being of adolescents. This research aimed to analyze the role of online behavior and emotional regulation in adolescent well-being and to test the mediating role of emotional regulation in the relationship between inappropriate online behavior and adolescent well-being. Fifty adolescents (44% male) aged between 10 and 19 took part in this study. Online behavior was assessed using a questionnaire on Internet use habits and the Portuguese version of the Social Media Disorder Scale-short form; emotional regulation was operationalized using the Portuguese version of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-short form; and well-being was assessed using the Health-Related Quality of Life in Portuguese Children and Adolescents. The results showed significant associations between online behavior, emotion regulation and adolescent well-being. Structural equation modeling did not show a direct effect of inappropriate online behaviors and adolescent well-being. However, the results obtained confirm that the relationship between inappropriate online behavior and well-being is mediated by adolescents' emotional awareness. Finally, guidelines for future research and intervention in the field of this study will be discussed.