Appearance satisfaction mediates the relationship between recreational screen time and depressive symptoms in adolescents

Background: Research suggests there is an association between high levels of recreational screen time and depression among adolescents; however, mechanisms driving this association remain unknown. The present study examined appearance and weight satisfaction and disordered eating behaviors as mediators in the rela-tionship between recreational screen time and depressive symptoms in adolescents. Method:Longitudinaldata on screen time, depressive symptoms, disordered eating behaviors, and appearance and weight satisfac-tion from 304 adolescents (194 females, Mage=13.40) were analyzed through a moment structure model