The influence of children’s emotional regulation on internet addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic: the mediating role of depression

Internet addiction (IA) and depression present significant public health challenges, especially during a pandemic. Previous research conducted outside of pandemic contexts highlighted the importance of emotional regulation (ER) for depression, with specific strategies such as cognitive reappraisal (CR) and expressive suppression (ES) showing effectiveness in predicting the internalization of problems. However, knowledge regarding ER strategies for depression and IA during the pandemic remains limited, thus hindering our implementation of effective strategies. This study aimed to examine the relationships between IA, ER strategies, and depressive symptoms, and to identify protective factors against depression and IA. Additionally, it sought to investigate the mediating role of depressive symptoms. Data were collected from 824 students across the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Results highlight the risks associated with ES for both depressive symptoms and IA, while CR demonstrates potential in reducing depressive symptoms and IA. Interventions that promote the development of CR and discourage reliance on ES can effectively mitigate depressive symptoms and IA.