ArticleBMC public health2026
Associations of maternal uncertainty stress and social capital with adolescents' smartphone use behavior: a cross-sectional study from rural China.
Article in BMC public health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundSmartphone use behavior among adolescents is a growing public health concern. Maternal uncertainty stress, defined as psychological stress arising from perceived unpredictability and uncontrollability in daily life and future circumstances, may contribute to these behaviors but remains understudied. While social capital can protect against adolescent risks, its role in maternal stress effects, particularly in rural areas, is unclear. This study examines the associations between maternal uncertainty stress, three dimensions of social capital, and adolescents' smartphone use behaviors in rural China.
methodsA total of 1,215 adolescents (Mage = 13.38 ± 0.53 years, 52.4% males) and their mothers (Mage = 40.47 ± 4.80 years) were enrolled from five rural middle schools 7th grade in Zhejiang Province, China (2023). Data were collected through validated self-reported questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression models and structural equation modeling were used to explore the relationships between maternal uncertainty stress, social capital dimensions (social network, social participation, and cognitive social capital), and two domains of adolescents' smartphone use behavior: longer-duration use and non-study-related content engagement.
resultsMaternal uncertainty stress was significantly associated with adolescents' smartphone use behaviors, including longer-duration use and non-study-relate content engagement. Social capital, particularly cognitive social capital, played a bidirectional role as both a correlate of adolescent smartphone behaviors and a protective factor to mitigate the impact of maternal uncertainty stress.
conclusionsMaternal uncertainty stress and social capital are important factors influencing adolescents' smartphone use behaviors in rural China. Intervention programs aimed at reducing adolescent longer-duration and non-study use smartphone use should prioritize strengthening maternal social capital and providing effective coping strategies to manage uncertainty stress.
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