Purpose: The purposes of this study were to investigate the factor of smartphone addiction based on Agnew’s general strain theory and examine the mediating effects of self efficacy and self-control in the identified model of the nursing students. Methods: Study participants were 292 nursing students recruited from 3 universities. Self-reported data were collected in September 2015 from structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, exploratory factor analyses, and structural equation modeling. Results: Self efficacy and self-control have a direct effect on smartphone addiction in the nursing students. The relationship between depression and smartphone addiction was fully mediated by self efficacy and self-control. However, the relationships of smartphone addiction shares with college adaptation and stress were partially mediated by depression, self efficacy, and self-control. Conclusion: Our study findings may be used as baseline information to develop preventive intervention programs for nursing students. Nursing educators and clinicians should encourage students’ self-control, improve self efficacy when dealing with those with smartphone addiction, emphasize adaptation to college, and help manage stress and depression.