Investigating the Effect of Social Intelligence on Self-determination in Teenagers with the Mediating Role of Mobile Phone Addiction

Purpose: The excessive use of mobile phones significantly alters human thought patterns and affects individuals’ behavior and psycho-social well-being. This study aims to explore the correlation between social intelligence and self-determination in adolescents, focusing on how mobile phone addiction plays a mediating role. Methodology: The research employed a descriptive-correlational approach and cross-sectional method, utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM) for analysis. The statistical population consisted of teenage boys and girls in Tehran who experienced mobile phone addiction from July to October 2023, with psychologist confirmation of addiction. A sample of 150 teenagers was selected through purposive sampling, with 17 individuals excluded due to incomplete or erroneous questionnaire responses. Research instruments included the Tromso Social Intelligence Scale, Self-Determination Scale, and Mobile Phone Addiction Questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27 for overall data and SmartPLS version 4 for path analysis between variables, with a significance level set at 0.05. Findings: The results of the current study indicated that Social Intelligence had a significant negative impact on mobile phone addiction (β=-0.380, p 0.001). In addition, there was a significant positive effect of Social Intelligence on Behavioral independence (β=0.383, p 0.001), but no significant effect on Psychological Empowerment and Self-determination (p 0.05). Furthermore, the relationship between Social Intelligence and Behavioral independence, as well as Self-determination with the mediating factor of Mobile phone addiction, was found to be significant (p 0.001). However, the association between Social Intelligence and Psychological Empowerment with the mediating role of Mobile phone addiction was not significant (P 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of the current research indicate that social intelligence can decrease mobile phone addiction and enhance behavioral independence, while mobile phone addiction can diminish behavioral independence and self-consciousness. However, social intelligence and mobile phone addiction do not impact psychological empowerment. Additionally, mobile phone addiction serves as a mediator in the correlation between social intelligence and the aspects of behavioral independence and self-consciousness.