부산대학교 도서관

The purpose of this study is to verify the moderating effect of self-efficacy when youth smartphone over dependence affects depression in the COVID-19 situation. As for the research method, correlation analysis and regression analysis using SPSS 26 and PROCESS macro were conducted with the data of 654. As a result, first, smartphone over dependence had a positive effect on depression. Second, self-efficacy had a negative effect on depression. Third, the moderating effect of self-efficacy was significant in the relationship between smartphone over dependence and depression. In other words, it was found that the group with low self-efficacy significantly increased depression when over dependence on smartphone increased, reinforcing the negative effect. This study is meaningful in that it verified the moderating effect of self-efficacy from the perspective of empowerment for youth who complain of depression due to smartphone over dependence in the COVID-19. As a practical way to weaken the negative effects of smartphone over dependence in youth on depression, a plan to strengthen self-efficacy was suggested.