Associations of Problematic Smartphone Use and Smartphone Screen Time With Eating Disorder Psychopathology in Non-Clinical Samples: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Background: The ubiquitous use of smartphones has given rise to maladaptive patterns of use, often termed "problematic smartphone use" (PSU), which disproportionately impacts children and young people and is associated with poor mental health. Emerging evidence suggests that patterns of smartphone use (eg, PSU and high smartphone screen time) may also influence eating patterns and contribute to symptoms associated with eating disorders (ED), although the nature of this relationship remains poorly understood.
Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to examine the association between PSU and ED psychopathology or ED-related outcomes (eg, body dissatisfaction, emotional eating, and food addiction) in clinical and nonclinical populations and explore potential moderators and mediators.
Methods: This preregistered systematic review conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines searched 3 databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) for studies published after January 2011 reporting data on PSU and ED psychopathology.
Results: Thirty-five studies met the prespecified eligibility criteria, with almost all reporting cross-sectional data in nonclinical populations (n=52,584; mean age 17.0, SD 5.5 years). Most studies were assessed as being of good quality (n=28, 78%) according to a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. In these nonclinical samples, the vast majority of studies reported a positive…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 52,584 participants or records.
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