Problematic Cell Phone Use Research Articles

The Relationship Between Maternal Problematic Mobile Phone Use and Hyperactive Behavior in Preschool Children: The Moderating Effect of Family Parenting Support on Chain Mediation.

The issue of excessive mobile phone use among mothers currently is growing increasingly significant due to the rapid growth of smartphones and other technological items. Given that women are the primary caregivers for preschool-aged children, it is imperative to thoroughly investigate the detrimental impacts of mothers' problematic mobile phone use on the hyperactive behaviors of their children, as well as the underlying mechanisms. In this study, 924 Chinese mothers and their children are surveyed. The study looks into the moderating effects of parenting support in this context as well as the chain mediating roles of mothers' parent-child interaction disorder and work-family conflict in the effects of mothers' problematic cell phone use on preschoolers' hyperactive behaviors. Analysis is conducted on the moderating impact of parental support in this as well. The results find that boys have significantly higher levels of hyperactive behavior than girls; maternal problematic cell phone use significantly positively predicts preschoolers' hyperactive behavior; maternal problematic cell phone use could indirectly affect preschoolers' hyperactive behavior through the chain-mediated effects of work-family conflict and parent-child interaction disorder, and parenting support moderates the predictive effects of parent-child interaction disorder on preschoolers' hyperactive behavior. This study reveals potential ways in which mothers' problematic mobile phone use affects preschoolers' hyperactivity behaviors in the Chinese context. The findings provide a multidimensional (protective and risk factors) indication of how to reduce the impact of mothers' problematic mobile phone use on preschoolers' levels of hyperactivity behaviors, which would contribute to improving children's mental health. However, this is a cross-sectional study and other factors may also play an important role in this pathway.

Relationships between experiences of humiliation on social networks, problematic phone use, and aggressive and altruistic behaviors in young adults.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationships between cybervictimization in social networks, problematic smartphone use, aggressive behaviors, and prosocial altruistic tendencies in young adults. The sample consisted of 601 young adults (mean age = 19.96 years; SD = 2.27; 69.1% female) who were administered online assessments of experiences of humiliation on networks, problematic smartphone use, prosocial altruistic tendencies, and aggressiveness. Results indicated significant indirect effects of cyber victimization on aggressiveness and prosocial altruistic tendencies through problematic smartphone use. Problematic cell phone use explained the relationships between online humiliation and aggressive and prosocial altruistic behaviors. The results confirmed the positive relationship between cybervictimization and problematic cell phone use, consistent with previous research. However, the negative relationship between cybervictimization and altruistic prosocial tendencies was not corroborated. The findings emphasize the need to promote actions that foster social connectedness and interdependence among young individuals to develop their identity within the community.

Fear of Missing Out and Problematic Usage of Smartphones Concerning Adolescents

The development of technology and increase of common usage of mobile phone in recent years has caused the desire of the individual to share their lives with other individuals and the desire to be aware of their lives, that is, the fear of missing out regarding developments. By considering that the fear of missing out (fomo) and problematic cell phone use will affect adolescents, current study aimed to analyze the fomo and problematic mobile phone use of adolescents with regard to various variables. In present research, descriptive research design was conducted. The data of current study were collected with the fomo scale and the problematic smartphone usage scale. It was carried out with 673 adolescents who have been studying at high school. The results revealed that the fomo differs significantly in adolescents in terms of gender and class level and it was concluded that problematic smartphone usage differs significantly with regard to father education level, gender and class level. Moreover, it has been concluded that problematic mobile phone use did not differ with regard to mother and father education level, age, high school type and family income level. Additionally, the results of current research revealed that the fomo and problematic smartphone usage are positively and significantly related with each other regarding adolescents.

Excessive Use of Mobile Phones and Social Networks Among Colombian University Students

INTRODUCTION: Social networks facilitate interactions among individuals, organizations, and communities. Their usage, especially among young people, has become increasingly widespread. This surge in usage has been linked to various impacts on individuals' daily lives and well-being, particularly in academic and emotional aspects. OBJECTIVES: This study seeks to examine the extent to which excessive use of social networks (SN) contributes to social isolation among undergraduate students aged 18 to 35, residing in the departments of Cundinamarca, Boyaca, and Meta in Colombia. This phenomenon is primarily due to problematic cell phone use. METHODS: We administered two established instruments: the "Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale (MPPUS-10)" adapted by Foerster et al. (2015), and the "Addiction to Social Networks Questionnaire " developed by Escurra & Salas (2014). Statistical analyses included descriptive techniques, multivariate Henze-Zirkler normality test, univariate Shapiro-Wilk test, as well as non-parametric methods such as Spearman's correlation and the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Key findings of this study include: (i) the identified intervention and mitigation strategies in the literature predominantly focus on prevention programs and family support with an emphasis on bolstering young people's self-esteem; (ii) 15.46% of the sample exhibited problematic cell phone use, with 25.96% indicating high intensity of social network use; (iii) significant differences were observed in relation to age and geographic location, while gender and socio-economic stratum did not exhibit a statistically significant impact; (iv) the statistical analysis demonstrated a positive and significant relationship with the dimensions of the Escurra & Salas (2014) instrument, namely Interest in Social Media (ISM), concern about lack of control (LC), and Excessive use of SN (EU). CONCLUSION: The Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale (MPPUS-10) emerges as a concise and effective tool for identifying problematic cell phone use, and its association with excessive social network usage underscores the interconnectedness of these behaviours. This research sheds light on the prevalence of these issues among Colombian university students and provides valuable insights for targeted intervention and support strategies, emphasizing the importance of bolstering self-esteem in youth.

Parental Phubbing and Adolescent Depressive Symptoms during COVID-19: A Serial Meditating Model

During the COVID-19 pandemic, depressive symptoms, a common emotional problem among adolescents, have become more prominent. Regarding the influencing factors of adolescent depressive symptoms, it is widely accepted that parents' problematic cellphone use around the family (specifically parental phubbing) is a strong predictive factor for the development of depressive symptoms among adolescents. Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp increase in the number of individuals with depressive symptoms, and the negative consequences of parental phubbing and depressive symptoms might have been exacerbated. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the association between parental phubbing and adolescent depressive symptoms as well as their underlying mechanism. To test our hypotheses, we conducted an offline/online survey with 614 adolescents in Central China from May to June 2022, which corresponded to a period of strict lockdowns in some areas due to the outbreak of the Omicron variant. The participants completed a set of measures, including a technology interference questionnaire, a parent-child relationship scale, a self-concept clarity scale, and the depressive symptoms scale. Parental phubbing was positively associated with adolescent depressive symptoms; the parent-child relationship and self-concept clarity could independently mediate this relationship; and the parent-child relationship and self-concept clarity were also serial mediators in this association. These findings extend previous research by highlighting the impact of parental technology use on their children and the underlying mechanism explaining adolescent depressive symptoms. They provide practical recommendations for parents to prioritize fostering a positive family environment and minimizing phubbing behaviors to enhance adolescent development, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health Issues Associated With Increased Smart Phone Usage Among Students During Covid-19 Pandemic Wave 2.0 In India

In recent years, as smart phones have grown in popularity, problematic cell phone use has gotten more attention among students. Due to the quarantine period, loneliness, and online classes, students' use of smartphones rose during the COVID-19 epidemic, affecting their physical and psychological well-being. Aim: To assess the health impact on excessive usage of smart phone and their effects among students during the COVID-19 pandemic wave-2.0 in India. Settings and Design: Data was acquired using a semi-structured Google Forms and responses were collected via social media via Google form among students across India during COVID-19. Results: Our research study shows that students were experiencing health problems like headache (86%), vision problems (68%), sleep pattern disturbance (79%), lack of attention (66%). The average usage of smart phone usage among the students were found to be greater than 4 hours per day for 85% of the students. Smartphone usages were more prevalent in males (56%) than in females (44%). The online classes cause increased usage of smartphone and affects their health more and 83% of the participants felt that they were addicted to smartphone. Concusion: Smartphone usage is becoming a necessity, even though students should be educated regarding proper usage and handling of smartphones and school/college should follow Government Guidelines for minimizing health hazards

Chinese adolescents’ problematic cellphone use: Exploring the implications of configuration profiles of cellphone-specific parenting behaviors

Parenting behaviors play critical roles in the etiology of adolescents' problematic cellphone use (PCU). However, research on the associations between cellphone-specific parenting behaviors and adolescents' PCU still remains sparse. Moreover, the extant few studies have been over-reliant on variable-centered approaches, which fall short of adequately revealing the heterogeneity within the configurations of parenting behaviors and their implications for adolescents' PCU. Utilizing latent profile analyses with survey data from a nationwide representative sample of 8261 Chinese parent–adolescent dyads (Mage = 12.86, SD = 1.75; 42.8% females), this study examined the configuration patterns of various cellphone-specific parenting behaviors and their relations with adolescents' PCU. Seven distinct profiles were identified: the “Ambivalent-Overcontrolling” (AMBO) profile, “Ambivalent-Controlling” (AMBC), “Ambivalent-Knowledgeable” (AMBK), “Acquaintance Monitoring” (AM), “Hands-on-Authoritative” (HAUTHE), “Allround-Authoritative” (AAUTHE), and “Authoritarian” (AUTHN). Adolescents in the “HAUTHE” group reported significantly lower levels of PCU than did those in the “AMBK” and “AAUTHE” groups, followed by the “AMBO,” “AMBC,” “AM,” and “AUTHN” groups. Such results highlighted the utility of person-centered approaches in more fully revealing the underexplored heterogeneity in the configural patterning of cellphone-specific parenting behaviors and its implications for adolescents' PCU. Our findings also have practical insights. It is important to train parents with a variety of cellphone-specific parenting strategies and also educate them about the more adaptive combinations of such strategies in preventing and reducing adolescents' PCU. To tailor interventions to satisfy different families’ unique needs, practitioners should attend to the variability in the configuration patterns of cellphone-specific parenting strategies across families.

Attached to Technology: Exploring Young Adults’ Attachments to Parents, Partners, and Phones

Cell phone use has become a mainstay in the lives of young adults, with 93% of Millennials owning a smartphone. With the increased accessibility of technology, individuals’ cell phone use may lead to personal distress in various facets of life. Specifically, problematic cell phone use may be the result of attempts to fulfill emotional needs or avoid connection with others. The present study used a systemic, attachment-based lens to investigate the roles of parental and romantic attachment in problematic cell phone use. A sample of 479 young adults (ages 18–26) completed an online survey gauging their cell phone use and attachment styles. Mediation analyzes were run to determine if adult attachment mediates the relationship from parental attachment to problematic cell phone use. The results found that attachment anxiety mediates the relationship between communication and alienation subscales for mother and alienation only for father to problematic cell phone use. Clinical implications are discussed with results informing assessment, prevention, and intervention efforts for individuals, families, and couples.

26.3 GAMING DISORDER SYMPTOMS FROM ADOLESCENCE TO EMERGING ADULTHOOD: A 6-YEAR LONGITUDINAL STUDY

The objective of this presentation is to examine developmental trajectories of gaming disorder symptoms over a 6-year period, crossing the threshold between adolescence and emerging adulthood. A longitudinal panel study of 385 adolescents (mean age = 15.01 at Time 1), surveyed annually for 6 years, will be presented. Participants were randomly selected from the Seattle, WA area, and stratified to be representative of the region (part of the Flourishing Families Project). Three distinct developmental trajectories appeared. Approximately 10% of adolescents began with a moderate number of symptoms and then increased over time. Eighteen percent started with a moderate number of symptoms but held steady across time. Finally, most (72%) stayed relatively low across time. The increasing symptoms group demonstrated the worst outcomes, with higher depression, aggression, shyness, problematic cell phone use, and anxiety, despite not being significantly different from the other groups at the beginning of the study. The moderate and unchanging symptom group also had poorer outcomes than the stable low symptoms group. Overall, 2% of the sample began the study at a clinically relevant number of symptoms and maintained that level through year 6. This study provides evidence for the validity of gaming disorder as an issue that can result in long-term negative outcomes. It also suggests that for some youth, the transition to emerging adulthood is not sufficient to “shake them out” of their harmful patterns. In addition, it suggests that there may be a preclinical level of symptoms that can be problematic.

Cell-phone Addiction Amongst Medical students: A cross-sectional study

Background: Cellular phone has become an integral part of our daily lives. Almost all medical students use it to perform various functions, from networking to use of different application. Aim: To observe the ill effects of problematic cell phone use amongst medical students. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 4th year MBBS at Lahore medical and dental college during January to April 2019. A questionnaire was used having a 7 scale Likert and frequencies of result were given in form of pie chart, bar chart and a table. Results: It was seen that almost half of the class have some tendency towards developing cell phone addiction. 47.2% were males and 52.8% were females who participated in this study. More than half i.e. 51.4% and 59% agreed to have urge to use phone and to frequently check their phone, respectively. A collective 54.9% showed distraction from their studies while being constantly using phone. Conclusion: Cellphone addiction among medical student is rising, some patterns of this problematic use still needs to be explored further and guidelines need to be provided so as to improve the overall wellbeing of students from the ill effects of their phone use. And developing habits which would improve their lifestyle and do not add to their stresses. Keywords: Cellphone, Medical students, Addiction

The relationship between problematic cell phone use, eating disorders and social anxiety among university students

Objective:Problematic cell phone use is common among young age groups which include university students, and may be accompanied by social anxiety and eating disorders. We aimed to examine the relationship between problematic cell phone use, social anxiety and eating disorders among university students.Methods:The universe of this cross-sectional study consists of 28,669 students receiving education at a Inonu University between October 2017 - November 2017. With a confidence interval of 95% and power of 80%, the sample size was calculated to be 308. The survey forms used in the study included students’ sociodemographic characteristics, data regarding cell phone usage, Problematic Mobile Phone Use Scale, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale and Eating Attitudes Test. The statistical analyses were conducted using Student t, One Way ANOVA, Spearman Correlation Test and Binomial Logistic Regression Analysis.Results:The students in the study group demonstrated a 46.1% rate of problematic cell phone use. The students’ Problematic Mobile Phone Use Scale total scores showed a significant correlation with smoking, and daily duration and purpose of cell phone use (p<0.05).Conclusion:University students demonstrate high rates of problematic cell phone use; in addition, individuals who use cell phones for increased hours or for certain purposes display higher total scores on the Problematic Mobile Phone Use Scale. Students should be educated on limiting problematic cell phone use.

The prevalence, risks and associations of problematic cell phone use and sexting on mental health

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an examination of how cell phone use and sexting are impacting society and our mental health.Design/methodology/approachMental health risks are becoming prominent in this worldwide epidemic affecting children, teens and adults. Cell phones are problematic because of their addictive nature and associations with adverse mental health consequences.FindingsBecause of the mental health implications, it is important to study the prevalence, risk factors, effects, associations and treatment options for excessive cell phone use, including sexting.Originality/valueThis conceptual paper explores the impact of cell phone use and sexting on our mental health.

Neck pain among smartphone users: an imminent public health issue during the pandemic time

Neck pain among smartphone users: an imminent public health issue during the pandemic time

The Effect of Cell Phones on Attention and Learning in Nursing Students.

The use of cell phones can have a negative effect on nursing students' academic performance. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects that problematic cell phone use and nomophobia have on learning in nursing students. A quasi-experimental study was carried out among nursing students, with a control group (n = 61, 49.2%) and an experimental group (n = 63, 50.8%). The experimental group left their cell phones, in sound or vibration mode, as they normally kept them, on a table located in the corner of the classroom. Both groups showed higher-than-average levels of nomophobia at the beginning of the class. As for problematic cell phone use and attention, it was found that there were statistically significant differences in both cases (U = 1355.500, Z = -2.830, P = .005; U = 1449.000, Z = -2.363, P = .018, respectively), and the experimental group had higher average scores, as well as in those related to knowledge. A relationship has been found between nomophobia and problematic cell phone use. Students who do not have access to their cell phones during class perceive more problematic cell phone usage, in addition to paying closer attention during class. Because of this, it is important to create policies and norms restricting cell phone use during all types of academic training among nursing students.

The Mediating Role of Boredom and Fear of Missing Out in the relationship between Depression Symptoms and Problematic Mobile Phone Use

The aim of current study was to investigate the mediating role of boredom and fear of missing out in the relationship between depression symptoms and problematic cell-phone use. The research design was descriptive-correlational. From the male adolescents’ population in academic year of 1398-1399, a total of 276 high school students selected via multistage cluster sampling method and were examined by Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Multidimensional State Boredom Scale(MSBS), Cell-phone Over Use Scale(COUS), and Fear of Missing Out Scale (FOMOS). To analyze the collected data Pearson correlation coefficient and path analysis were conducted. The results of path analysis showed that direct effect of depression symptoms, direct effect of psychological boredom, and the direct effect of fear of missing out on problematic cell-phone use were significantly positive. Also, results showed that the mediating role of psychological boredom and fear of missing out in the relationship between depression symptoms and problematic cell-phone use was significant. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that depression, boredom and fear of missing out information and social events were important factors affecting adolescents’ problematic cell-phone use. Therefore, it is suggested that specialists by reducing boredom and anxiety caused by fear of missing out through training and counseling interventions help adolescents to manage the symptoms of depression and problematic cell-phone use.

Pathological video game symptoms from adolescence to emerging adulthood: A 6-year longitudinal study of trajectories, predictors, and outcomes.

The aim of this study was to examine trajectories of pathological video game symptoms over a 6-year period from adolescence to emerging adulthood. We also examined a number of predictors and outcomes for different trajectories. Participants included 385 adolescents (M age = 15.01 at the initial time point) who completed multiple questionnaires once a year over a 6-year period. Analyses showed there were 3 distinct trajectories. Approximately 10% of adolescents (called "increasing symptoms") showed moderate levels of pathological gaming symptoms at the initial time point and then increases in symptoms over time. Conversely, 18% of adolescents (called "moderate symptoms") started with moderate symptoms that did not change over time. Finally, 72% of adolescents (called "nonpathological") were relatively low in symptoms across the 6 years of data collection. Being male predicted both the increasing and moderate groups. The increasing group tended to show the worst outcomes over time, with higher levels of depression, aggression, shyness, problematic cell phone use, and anxiety than the nonpathological group, even when controlling for initial levels of many of these variables. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Relationship Between Family Technoference and Behavior Problems in Children Aged 4-5 Years.

Digital media (DM) is omnipresent in society today and impacts every aspect of our life. Previous studies have shown DM to cause problems in interpersonal relationships by creating problematic interruptions in interactions, this has been termed technoference. The current study focuses on parent's self-rated perceived technoference and the rated behavior of their 4- to 5-year-old children. Parents (N = 153) filled out an online questionnaire regarding family DM use and technoference as well as questions regarding their child's behavior. Parents rated the level of technoference caused by their own use of DM as well as the rate of technoference caused by the child's use of DM. Parents were also asked questions regarding their own possible problematic cell phone use. The findings reveal a statistically significant contribution of technoference, caused by the parents' use of DM, to the behavior repertoire of the children.

Problematic cell phone use, depression, anxiety, and self-regulation: Evidence from a three year longitudinal study from adolescence to emerging adulthood

For a small percentage of cell phone users, cell phone use becomes problematic or addictive, characterized by excessive time spent on the cell phone, interference with social relationships and responsibilities, and difficulty disengaging from cell phones. Researchers have argued that depression, anxiety, and self-regulation may be risk factors or outcomes of problematic cell phone use, but there are few longitudinal studies on problematic cell phone use, making it unclear if these behaviors are predictors or outcomes of problematic cell phone use. The current study examined these factors during late adolescence and the transition to emerging adulthood. Participants included 385 individuals between the ages of 17 and 19 who completed a series of questionnaires once a year over a three year period. Problematic cell phone use, anxiety, depression, and self-regulation were all moderately associated at the cross-sectional level. Early problematic cell phone use predicted later depression when these variables were examined longitudinally, as opposed to the converse. There were no longitudinal associations between problematic cell phone use and anxiety or self-regulation. In sum, problematic cell phone use was fairly stable across the transition from adolescence to emerging adulthood and was associated with depression in the future.

Prevalence of problematic cell phone use in an adult population in Spain as assessed by the Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale (MPPUS).

Problematic cell phone use has alarmingly increased in industrialized countries in the past 10 years. For many perpetrators, it can turn into a behavioural addiction, although this is not a recognized medical condition. Although there are many tools for evaluating this use, one of the most widely used tools is the Mobile Phone Problematic Use Scale (MPPUS), which we test on a representative sample of the population in Spain to obtain an estimate of the prevalence of problematic cell phone use in our midst. The age range consists of 16–65 years, with 1,126 surveys conducted. In this population, we verify that the reliability and internal consistency of the MPPUS (α = 0.939) are maintained. Additionally, the construct validity, considering the derived factors (Abuse and Dependence, Craving and Loss of Control, and Dependence on the Social Environment) are aligned with other research and with diverse external criteria of addiction. We establish four categories of users (Casual, Regular, At Risk, and Problematic) and obtain a prevalence of 15.4% among At Risk Users and 5.1% among Problematic Users. This finding implies a total of 20.5% of Users with Problems. A binary logistic regression analysis shows that age, gender, level of education, and daily cell phone use predict problematic cell phone use. The results, based on multiple criteria, show that such problematic use shares features of recognized addictions, affecting large segments of the population and not only adolescents.

Development of a Mobile Phone Addiction Craving Scale and Its Validation in a Spanish Adult Population.

In some people, problematic cell phone use can lead to situations in which they lose control, similar to those observed in other cases of addiction. Although different scales have been developed to assess its severity, we lack an instrument that is able to determine the desire or craving associated with it. Thus, with the objective of evaluating craving for cell phone use, in this study, we develop and present the Mobile Phone Addiction Craving Scale (MPACS). It consists of eight Likert-style items, with 10 response options, referring to possible situations in which the interviewee is asked to evaluate the degree of restlessness that he or she feels if the cell phone is unavailable at the moment. It can be self-administered or integrated in an interview when abuse or problems are suspected. With the existence of a single dimension, reflected in the exploratory factor analysis (EFA), the scale presents adequate reliability and internal consistency (α = 0.919). Simultaneously, we are able to show significantly increased correlations (r = 0.785, p = 0.000) with the Mobile Phone Problematic Use Scale (MPPUS) and state anxiety (r = 0.330, p = 0.000). We are also able to find associations with impulsivity, measured using the urgency, premeditation, perseverance, and sensation seeking scale, particularly in the dimensions of negative urgency (r = 0.303, p = 0.000) and positive urgency (r = 0.290, p = 0.000), which confirms its construct validity. The analysis of these results conveys important discriminant validity among the MPPUS user categories that are obtained using the criteria by Chow et al. (1). The MPACS demonstrates higher levels of craving in persons up to 35 years of age, reversing with age. In contrast, we do not find significant differences among the sexes. Finally, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis allows us to establish the scores from which we are able to determine the different levels of craving, from the absence of craving to that referred to as addiction. Based on these results, we can conclude that this scale is a reliable tool that complements ongoing studies on problematic cell phone use.