This study also discusses the individual differences in the mechanism, that is, the moderating effect of SS. The social-ecological systems theory holds that the mental and physical development of adolescents is affected by the interaction between individuals and the environment [16]. Based on the view that individual factors and environmental factors work together, this study examined whether SS has a moderating effect on the association between adverse environments and adolescent SPA. It is found that SS may be a risk factor for SPA in adolescents, which is in line with what has been found in previous studies [19, 42]. However, the present study found that SS only moderates the mediation effect of deviant peers on SPA. That is, the negative iSPAct of DPA on adolescent SPA is stronger in adolescents with higher levels of SS than in those with lower levels of SS. First, high sensation seekers usually prefer novel stimuli and desire for high arousal experiences and are not mature enough in risk assessment, so in the frequent interaction with deviant peers, they tend to seek thrills and pleasure with their peers while ignoring the risks and harms of the overuse of mobile phones [20], consequently leading to SPA. Furthermore, according to the views stated in previous studies, when a risk factor appears at the same time as other risk factors, its cumulative risk effect will produce a more negative iSPAct instead of the simple addition of individual risk effects [43]. It can be inferred that SS (risk factor) will “amplify” or “enhance” the negative effect of the interaction with deviant peers (risk factor) on SPA. If high sensation seekers are meanwhile influenced by deviant peers, they are more likely to develop SPA.
The present study also found that the direct effect of SS on the model, that is, the moderating effect of parental phubbing on adolescent SPA, was not significant. Family environment and peer relationship, as two critical micro systems in personal development, can affect the processes of adolescents’ physical and mental growth [40]. First, as the micro system that has the greatest iSPAct on individual growth, the family environment and the iSPAct of family function are fundamental to the development of adolescents [44]. One-year longitudinal studies have shown that the negative parent-child association experienced by individuals in childhood had a long-term profound adverse effect on children’s future behavior. Even if they are no longer traumatized at this stage, their problematic behavior still exists [45]. Although peer relationships become increasingly important in adolescents’ emotional support as they grow up, the influence of family environment on individuals is still deeply rooted and permanent [46]. Compared with the stable family environment, DPA, as a varying late-stage environmental variable, is more likely to be affected by more stable individual variables such as SS in a comprehensive system [40].