Board 250 Abstract Type: Research-Based.
 
Ethnic Differences in the Relationship Between Familial Incarceration and Problematic Internet Smartphone Use Among Adolescents.
 
Shahverdi, Abnous; Shanazari, Eric; Vigil, Jorge; Unger, Jennifer; Grigsby, Timothy; Forster, Myriam.
 
Background: There has been increasing concern about adolescents’ excessive use of digital devices. Research suggests problematic internet (PIU) and smartphone(PSU) use can undermine mental health, academic performance, and socioemotional functioning. Familial incarceration (FI), an adverse childhood experience, affects nearly two million US adolescents; however, FI’s impact on adolescent health remains understudied. This study tested the hypothesized association between FI and PSU and PSI and explored any potential differences in these relationships.
 
.Method: Data are (N=877) baseline survey responses from adolescents enrolled in a longitudinal study investigating the impact of FI on mental and behavioral health. The Smartphone Addiction Scale-SV and Internet Addiction Test measured dimensions of digital behaviors. GLMs tested the associations between FI and PSU and PIU, and any ethnic differences in relationships.
 
.Results: The sample was 53% female, 40%African American, 26% Non-Hispanic White,20% Hispanic, 8% Multiethnic, and 6% Asian/Pacific Islander. Approximately 33% of youth reported FI; 25% met criteria for PSU;38% reported mild and 28% reported moderate/severe PIU. Students impacted by FI had higher odds of PSU (AOR: 3.2, 95%CI:1.2, 8.1), and higher risk for mild (RRR:2.4, 95% CI: 1.2, 4.7) and moderate to severe (RRR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2, 5.7) PIU compared to students with no FI, adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, and state. Multiethnic and Hispanic students with FI were at significantly greater risk for PSU than non-Hispanic White (p < .05) students with FI.
 
Conclusion: Our findings indicate that students exposed to FI are at increased risk for PSU and PIU, especially ethnic minority students. Given how little is known about the role of FI in adolescent health and well being and adolescent online behaviors in general ,future research should continue to explore the role of FI in health outcomes and additional potential protective factors for PSU and PIU.