This study examined the mediating effects of experiential avoidance on the relationship between stress and internet/smartphone addiction in adolescents.

448 middle school students completed the self-report questionnaires on school stress, home stress, multidimensional experiential avoidance, and internet/smartphone addiction.

Regression analyses and tests of indirect effects using bootstrapping showed that ‘procrastination’ and ‘distress aversion’ factors of experiential avoidance mediated the relationship between stress (school, home) and internet/smartphone addiction.

Stress increases internet/smartphone addiction through procrastination or distress aversion in adolescents. Interventions should focus not only on stress but also on experiential avoidance.