Can nomophobia be a contemporary and novel cluster of symptoms of adult separation anxiety disorder?

Abstract

Objective: The connection between adult separation anxiety disorder (ASAD) and nomophobia has been poorly investigated. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether there is a relationship between ASAD and nomophobia. Method: The sample consisted of 68 university students diagnosed with ASAD and 77 university students without ASAD. All participants were evaluated by a structured clinical interview, Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire (ASA), Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory (SASI), Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q), and Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV). Result: Participants with ASAD had longer daily phone usage times and had a higher frequency of checking the phone during the day and the rates of carrying a charger than controls. Compared to the control group, participants with ASAD had significantly higher ASA, SASI, NMP-Q, and SAS-SV scores and more severe nomophobia levels. The ASA scores were significantly positively correlated with SASI, NMP-Q, and SAS-SV. Regarding predictors of nomophobia, ASA, SASI, and SAS-SV scores had a positive and significant effect on nomophobia, and predicted nomophobia. Conclusion: Our research adds to the body of knowledge on nomophobia by demonstrating that people with ASAD are susceptible to developing nomophobia. Clinicians should be aware of the association between ASAD and nomophobia, and nomophobia may be an important concept that should be considered in the therapy approach to patients with ASAD.