Pattern of Smartphone Usage and Psychosocial Factors Affecting Smartphone Overdependence in Middle-Aged Women

Abstract

Studies suggest that the prevalence of smartphone overdependence has increased in middle-aged individuals; however, little is known about factors that may influence smartphone overdependence among middle-aged women. This study assessed the patterns of smartphone usage and the psychosocial factors affecting smartphone overdependence in middle-aged women. Middle-aged women (n = 135) in South Korea completed the Smartphone Overdependence Scale, Ego Resiliency Scale, Profile of Mood States-Brief, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Subjective Happiness Scale. The data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The mean smartphone duration per use was 13.41 ± 10.82 minutes, the mean frequency of smartphone usage per day was 23.06 ± 20.29, and the most used smartphone function was messaging. Smartphone overdependence occurred in 13 (9.63%) of the 135 middle-aged women, and higher tension (OR = 1.34, p = .011), less vigor (OR = 0.83, p = .040), and less social support from significant others (OR = 0.40, p = .010) were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of smartphone overdependence. This study has value as a first step in examining smartphone overdependence and its psychosocial predictive factors among middle-aged women. A smartphone overdependence intervention for middle-aged women could include activities that reduce tension, increase vigor, and enhance offline social support.