ArticleBMC psychology2026
Problematic media use and callous-unemotional behaviors in early childhood: the roles of emotion regulation and parental mediation.
Article in BMC psychology, 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
backgroundEarly childhood is crucial for prosocial emotions development and psychological well-being. However, the explosion of digital technology and screen devices has sparked growing concerns regarding children’s social-emotional development and the long-term well-being. While emerging research has highlighted the negative effects of problematic media use on children’s psychology and behavior, few studies have empirically focused on the potential link between problematic media use and early callous-unemotional behaviors. Therefore, this study examines the positive association between problematic media use and early callous-unemotional behaviors, as well as the roles of emotion regulation and parental mediation.
methodsA cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected from 1033 Chinese parents of young children aged 40 to 84 months (Mmonths = 59.60, SD = 10.36) via an online survey. The completed questionnaires assessed children’s problematic media use, emotion regulation, and callous-unemotional behaviors, as well as parental mediation. A moderated mediation model was further conducted to examine the mediating role of emotion regulation and the moderating role of parental mediation.
resultsThe empirical findings revealed the significant correlation between young children’s problematic media use and callous-unemotional behaviors. Callous-unemotional behaviors of children with problematic media use can be correlated to impaired emotion regulation, with emotion regulation acting as the crucial mediator. Moreover, the conditional effects of problematic media use on emotion regulation and callous-unemotional behaviors varied significantly depending on the degree of parental mediation. Parental mediation serves as the key protector against the negative impacts of problematic media use on emotion regulation and callous-unemotional behaviors.
conclusionThe findings highlight the significance of improving emotional regulation and parental screen mediation in the relationship between problematic screen use and early callous-unemotional behaviors. These insights will further expand the perspectives on digital life and protective factors related to early externalizing behaviors and prosocial emotions. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.
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