A study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that adolescents who perceived their caregivers were frequently distracted by digital devices were more likely to exhibit insecure attachment styles. These styles included greater relationship anxiety and a tendency toward emotional withdrawal.

Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University, provided details on the research. "This study surveyed 600 adolescents aged 12 to 17 across the United States," Wen said. "The team found that adolescents who reported more device-related interference from caregivers were also more likely to present insecure attachment patterns, especially greater anxiety in relationships and a tendency to withdraw emotionally."

Researchers examined whether adolescents who perceived their caregivers as being distracted by devices were more likely to exhibit these insecure attachment styles. The survey questions focused on instances such as a parent appearing to pay more attention to a phone than to an in-person family conversation, device use interrupting family interactions, or the adolescent feeling they were competing with a device for their caregiver's attention.

Wen noted specific limitations in the methodology. "This study did not directly measure parents' technology use or quantify screen time," she said. "The researchers analyzed the adolescents' subjective perception that a device was interfering in the relationship." This association between perceived device interference and insecure attachment was observed for both maternal and paternal figures, and it remained consistent across different ages, genders, races, and ethnic groups.

Participants were asked about their primary caregivers, which included maternal and paternal figures such as biological parents, step-parents, adoptive parents, or other adults in those roles. The study authors stated that the research found an association between these factors but could not establish a cause-and-effect relationship.