The developmental trajectories of phubbing in Chinese adolescents: a variable-centered and person-centered perspective - Report - MDSpire

The developmental trajectories of phubbing in Chinese adolescents: a variable-centered and person-centered perspective

  • By

  • Jun Zhao

  • Shoufeng Li

  • June 10, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Examining the Growth Patterns of Phubbing in Chinese Adolescents

Overview

This study investigates the developmental trajectories of phubbing among Chinese adolescents, revealing significant increases over time and notable individual differences. It also highlights the association between mobile phone usage duration and phubbing trajectory membership.

Background

Phubbing, the act of ignoring someone in favor of a mobile phone, has emerged as a significant behavioral issue among adolescents, impacting their social interactions and mental health. Understanding its growth patterns is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. The study's findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address the psychosocial consequences of phubbing in this demographic.

Data Highlights

Trajectory GroupDescription
Low-Level—Rising GroupInitial low phubbing with increasing levels
Medium-Level—Stable GroupConsistent moderate phubbing
High-Level—Declining GroupInitially high phubbing with decreasing levels
Very High-Level—Sharp Decline GroupVery high initial phubbing with a sharp decline over time

Key Findings

  • Adolescent phubbing significantly increased over time.
  • Four distinct trajectory groups of phubbing were identified.
  • Mobile phone usage duration was positively associated with initial phubbing levels.
  • Longer mobile phone usage duration correlated with higher likelihood of belonging to groups with elevated phubbing levels.
  • There were substantial individual differences in both initial phubbing levels and rates of change.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be aware of the increasing prevalence of phubbing among adolescents and its potential impact on social functioning and mental health. Interventions should consider individual differences in mobile phone usage and phubbing behaviors to effectively address this issue.

Conclusion

The study provides valuable insights into the growth patterns of phubbing among Chinese adolescents, emphasizing the need for differentiated prevention strategies based on individual usage patterns. Understanding these trajectories is essential for mitigating the negative psychosocial effects of phubbing.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Does the Phubbing Scale (PS) Measure the Same Construct Across Sexes? Evidence From a Nigerian Sample
  2. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR), 2026 -- The Mediating Role of Interpersonal Needs in Perceived Parenting Styles and Social Media Addiction Among University Students: Cross-Sectional Study
  3. BMC Psychiatry, 2025 -- Characterizing Symptoms of SpLD, ADHD, and ASD in Chinese Children: A Biopsychosocial and Transdiagnostic Approach
  4. EconPapers, 2024 -- Is socially disruptive smartphone use detrimental to well-being? A systematic meta-analytic review on being phubbed
  5. Frontiers in Psychiatry — Relationship between family–school–peer risks and problematic Internet use among boarding high school students in China: based on a latent profile analysis
  6. Digital Ecosystems, Children, and Adolescents: Policy Statement | Pediatrics
  7. The association between screen exposure and social-emotional development in children and adolescents: A meta-analysis
  8. EconPapers: Is socially disruptive smartphone use detrimental to well-being? A systematic meta-analytic review on being phubbed
  9. Who “phubs”? A systematic meta-analytic review of phubbing predictors - Anisha Arenz, Anna Schnauber-Stockmann, 2024
  10. Association of Phubbing Behavior and Fear of Missing Out: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - PubMed
  11. The prospective associations between problematic gaming and phubbing among Chinese adolescents: Insights from a cross-lagged panel network model - ScienceDirect
  12. Digital Ecosystems, Children, and Adolescents: Technical Report | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
  13. Problematic Media Use: Screening and Intervention Tools for Clinicians
  14. APA panel issues recommendations for adolescent social media use
  15. 2023 Social Media and Youth Mental Health The
  16. NCHS Data Brief  ■  No. 513  ■  October 2024
  17. China: Issued CAC guidelines for mobile device manufacturers, application providers, and app distribution platforms regarding the Construction of Minor Mode of the Mobile Internet - Digital Policy Alert
  18. China: CAC publishes guidelines for creating minor mode on mobile | News | DataGuidance
  19. Is decreasing problematic mobile phone use a pathway for alleviating adolescent depression and sleep disorders? A randomized controlled trial testing the effectiveness of an eight-session mindfulness-based intervention - PMC
  20. Smartphone screen time reduction improves mental health: a randomized controlled trial | BMC Medicine | Springer Nature Link
  21. Effectiveness of a Mobile Phone-Delivered Multiple Health Behavior Change Intervention (LIFE4YOUth) in Adolescents: Randomized Controlled Trial - PMC

Original Source(s)

The developmental trajectories of phubbing in Chinese adolescents: a variable-centered and person-centered perspective

  • by Jun Zhao, Shoufeng Li

  • June 10, 2026

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