The mediating role of digital addiction in the relationship between cognitive disengagement syndrome and problem-solving skills

ÇELİK O. T., Kaçmaz C.

Psychology, Health and Medicine, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/13548506.2025.2469190
  • Journal Name: Psychology, Health and Medicine
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, ASSIA, PASCAL, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, Educational research abstracts (ERA), MEDLINE, Psycinfo, SportDiscus
  • Keywords: CDS, children, Cognitive disengagement syndrome, digital addiction, problem solving
  • Kayseri University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: There is a growing interest in the effects of Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS) on children. Despite concerns about the effects of CDS on cognitive abilities, especially in children, research is quite limited. It is important to understand the mechanisms of CDS on problem-solving skills. Aim: This study aims to investigate the relationship of CDS with problem solving skills in children and also to examine the potential mediating role of digital addiction. Method: The study was cross-sectional research involving 433 middle school children aged 11 and 14. Results: Our results showed that there were positive relationships between CDS and digital addiction, negative relationships between CDS and problem solving skills, and negative relationships between digital addiction and problem solving skills. Moreover, our findings suggest that CDS is associated with problem-solving skills both directly and indirectly through digital addiction. Conclusion: Intervention programs developed for children with or at risk of CDS should incorporate practices to enhance problem-solving skills and behavioral interventions to balance their use of digital tools.