Exploring the Role of Cognitive Absorption and Coping Mechanisms in Adolescents’ Digital Resilience

As digital technologies become increasingly integral to daily life, understanding how adolescents engage with and cope in digital environments is crucial for promoting resilience in the face of digital stressors. This study examines the relationship between cognitive absorption, coping mechanisms, and digital resilience among adolescents in Kerala, India. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 400 adolescents aged 15–18 years, selected using a combination of random and stratified sampling methods to ensure representation from urban, semi-urban, and rural areas. Participants completed paper-based questionnaires assessing cognitive absorption, coping strategies, and digital resilience. Descriptive analysis showed that females scored higher than males across all measured constructs. Significant positive correlations were found between cognitive absorption and digital resilience, as well as with coping. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that problem-focused and emotion-focused coping mechanisms significantly predicted digital resilience, with cognitive absorption emerging as the strongest predictor, even after accounting for coping strategies. These findings highlight the central role of cognitive absorption in predicting digital resilience, independent of coping mechanisms, and suggest that fostering active digital engagement along with adaptive coping strategies can enhance resilience among adolescents.