An Examination of the Relationship between Family Climate, Emotional Authenticity, and Technology Addiction among University Students

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationships between family climate, emotional authenticity, and technology addiction among university students. The research was conducted with 1,012 university students, based on a descriptive-relational survey model. Data were collected using family climate, emotional authenticity, and technology addiction scales, and analyzed through descriptive analysis, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis. The results indicate that participants generally have a positive family climate. In terms of emotional authenticity, it was found that students have a moderate ability to express their emotions and understand the emotions of others. The levels of technology addiction were also found to be generally moderate. The model used in the study revealed that the independent variables explained 35.6% of the variance in technology addiction. It was found that as family relationality (β=-0.18), cognitive harmony (β=-0.07), acceptance of external influence (β=-0.17), and emotional avoidance (β=-0.37) increased, technology addiction decreased, while an increase in intergenerational authority (β=0.17) led to an increase in technology addiction. These findings highlight the impact of family relationships and individuals' emotional experiences on technology addiction. Furthermore, it was found that family climate, emotional authenticity, and technology addiction scores significantly differed according to gender and class level. These findings contribute to the understanding of important socio-psychological factors affecting technology addiction among university students.