Academic Adaptation and Pursuit of the Symbolic Function of Mobile Phones among Adolescents: Moderating Role of Self-Identity and Mediating Role of Academic Performance

Abstract

Prior studies have demonstrated that school environment is an important factor in adolescents’ pursuit of the symbolic function of mobile phones. However, few studies have investigated the individual differences in the relation between school environment and this pursuit. The current study sampled 2,064 Chinese adolescents to analyze the moderating role of self-identity in the relation between academic adaptation and pursuit of the symbolic function of mobile phones as well as the mediating effect of academic performance. Results revealed that, compared with adolescents with low self-identity, adolescents with high self-identity showed a stronger relation between academic adaptation and pursuit of the symbolic function of mobile phones, partially mediated by academic performance. The present study indicated that good school environment and high self-identity were protective factors of adolescents’ disvalued media attitude. Limitations and implications were discussed.