The Role of Friendship Quality in Smartphone Addiction and Mental Health among Adolescents

Abstract

The rapid integration of smartphones into adolescents’ daily lives has raised concerns regarding their mental health and social relationships. The present study examined the role of friendship quality in smartphone addiction and mental health among adolescents. A correlational research design was used, and data were collected from a sample of 300 adolescents (52% girls, 48% boys) aged 13–18 years (M = 15.48, SD = 1.24) recruited from schools and colleges in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Participants completed the Friendship Quality Scale, Smartphone Addiction Scale–Short Version, and DSM-5 Self-Rated Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure. Results revealed significant positive associations among friendship quality, smartphone addiction (r=.45**), and mental health (r=.55**) problems. Regression analysis indicated that friendship quality and gender significantly predicted mental health outcomes, accounting for 23% of the variance. Additionally, significant gender differences were observed, with girls reporting higher levels of smartphone addiction, poorer mental health, and greater sensitivity to friendship quality compared to boys. The findings suggest that friendship quality plays a critical role in adolescents’ mental health and is closely linked to problematic smartphone use. Strengthening healthy peer relationships may serve as a protective factor against mental health difficulties and smartphone addiction during adolescence.