Digital Addiction Scale for Children (DASC): Age, Gender, Sleep and Emotional Correlates

Authors

  • Elena García-Morales Orcid
    Department of Psychology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
  • Cristina Cuesta-Zamora Orcid
    Department of Psychology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
  • Fernán Arana Orcid
    Department of Counseling and Psychological Services, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Natalia Olmeda Orcid
    Department of Psychology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
  • Alberto Tapia-Bernal
    Department of Psychology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
  • Jorge Javier Ricarte Orcid
    Department of Psychology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain

Abstract

Nowadays, digital devices (DD) overuse is an increasing risk factor to develop anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances in young population. Objectives: This study aims to validate the Digital Addiction Scale for Children (DASC) in Spanish, the second most spoken language globally, and to examine its relationship with anxiety, depression, and sleep patterns in children and adolescents. Methods: A sample of 977 children aged 9 to 14 completed self-reported measures of sleep duration, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and the DASC. The statistical analyses, including confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega, and Pearson correlations, revealed that the DASC has a bifactorial structure and good reliability. Results: Higher problematic DD levels were associated with increased anxiety and depression symptoms and reduced sleep hours. Although the DASC-Spanish version shows only partial gender and age invariance, it demonstrates strong psychometric properties, supporting its use in psychological practice and research. Conclusions: The observed correlates of the Spanish-DASC with anxiety, depression, and sleep; emphasize its relevance in the presence of negative emotional symptoms and for the promotion of psychological well-being and health in late childhood and adolescence.