The impact of problematic mobile phone use on sleep quality in preadolescence: the mediating role of somatic symptoms

In preadolescence and adolescence communication and connectedness with peers is an essential part of adolescents' social life. Mobile Phone (MP) may be considered a way to maintain both communication and connectedness. However, recent studies noted that problematic MP use may negatively affect nocturnal sleep with a variety of negative health, developmental and performance outcomes. The present study aims to explore the association between problematic MP use and sleep quality in preadolescence investigating the mediating role of somatic symptoms. 221 preadolescents (105 males, 47.5%) aged 10 to 14 years (mean age = 13.07; SD = 1.14) were recruited from three Italian secondary public schools located in Rome. Participants completed measures assessing somatic symptoms (Children's Somatization Inventory, CSI-24), problematic MP use (Brief Multiculltural Version Test of Mobile Phone Dependence, TMD brief) and sleep quality (PROMIS Sleep Disturbance Short Form). Descriptive statistics on CSI-24 showed that females reported significantly higher scores about somatic symptoms (F(1, 220) = 11.32, p < .001) and poor sleep quality (F(1, 220) = 5.11, p < .05) than males. A significant correlation between problematic MP use and somatic symptoms was found (r = .273, p < .001) demonstrating that MP problematic users are more likely to experience a low psychophysical wellbeing. Furthermore data indicated a significant association between sleep quality and somatic symptoms (r = .361, p < .001). Finally, findings highlighted the mediating role of somatic symptoms in the association between problematic MP use and sleep quality (estimated indirect effect = .04, SE = .01 [95% CI 0.02 to 0.08]). Results of this study support our hypotheses,predicting that higher levels of problematic MP use may predispose preadolescents with somatic symptoms to have poorer sleep quality, with an impact on functioning. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm our data.