LAUSR

Abstract Background The current situation of adolescent depression is relatively serious, and has aroused widespread concern. Aim: This study aimed to examine the relationship between shyness, mobile phone dependence and depression through a 12-month longitudinal survey. Methods A total of 1214 adolescents participated in the study. Cross-lagged models were adopted for data analysis. Results The results showed that significant positive relationships exist among shyness, mobile phone dependence and depression. Shyness at W2 mediated the relationship between mobile phone dependence at W1 and depression at W3. Mobile phone dependence at W2 played a mediating role between depression at W1 and depression at W3. Conclusion This study revealed the possible reciprocal associations between shyness, mobile phone dependence and depression in adolescents. This enlightened us that incorporating shyness and mobile phone dependence interventions into prevention designs for depression in adolescents may be beneficial.