Moderating effects of screen time on the relationship between family functioning and negative emotions in Chinese children with cancer

Purpose

To explore whether screen time moderates the relationship between family functioning and negative emotions in Chinese children with cancer.

Methods

Between November 2023 and May 2024, 206 children with cancer were recruited from a pediatric oncology ward at a tertiary hospital. Negative emotions, family functioning, and screen time were assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales, Second Edition, Chinese Version, and Screen Time Questionnaire, respectively. The moderating effect of screen time was analyzed using the Johnson-Neyman method and SPSS Process Macro.

Results

Screen time had a significant moderating effect (B = ‐0.052, P < 0.05). Screen time could possibly moderate the relationship between family functioning and negative emotions, and the moderating effect may be diminished as screen time exceeded 3.13 h per day.

Conclusions

Family functioning and screen time likely have a vital impact on negative emotions in children with cancer. Increasing screen time probably decrease the adverse effects of poor family functioning on negative emotions, which, in turn, may reduce negative emotions.

Practice implications

These preliminary findings highlight the importance of monitoring and managing screen time in pediatric oncology settings may have in supporting the emotional well-being of children with cancer. This study provides a new theoretical perspective on care programs aimed at alleviating negative emotions in children with cancer.