Problematic Smartphone Use in Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: The Roles of Domestic Violence, Parenting Styles, and Peer Bullying Victimization.

Background: Problematic smartphone use (PSU) was associated with the increased risk of mental health problems in adolescents. Studies have identified several individual factors related to PSU in adolescents with ADHD; however, environmental factors related to PSU in adolescents with ADHD have not been examined. This cross-sectional questionnaire-survey study examined the associations of domestic violence, parenting styles, and peer bullying victimization with the severity of PSU in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: In total, 247 adolescents with ADHD and their parents participated in the study. The severity of PSU was assessed using the Smartphone Addiction Inventory. Domestic violence was assessed using the Parent-to-Child Violence Questionnaire and Violence among Adult Family Members Questionnaire. Parenting styles were assessed using the Parental Bonding Instrument. Peer bullying victimization was assessed using the School Bullying Experience Questionnaire. Results: Violence among adult family members (p = .049) and being a victim of social and verbal bullying (p = .049) significantly correlated with higher PSU. Authoritarian and controlling parenting significantly correlated with PSU in bivariable but not multivariable regression analysis (p > .05). Conclusion: Environmental factors significantly correlated with PSU in adolescents with ADHD. Health professionals should incorporate these factors into the intervention programs for PSU among adolescents with ADHD.