Effects of Difficulty in Handling Emotions and Social Interactions on Nomophobia: Examining the Mediating Role of Feelings of Loneliness

Exploring the prevalence of nomophobia, its contributing factors, and the relationship with social interaction anxiety among nursing students

BACKGROUND

Nomophobia and social anxiety have significant negative implications for the physical and mental health of students, as well as their academic performance. Considering the variability in findings across studies on the prevalence of nomophobia and social anxiety, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of nomophobia, its associated factors, and its relationship with social interaction anxiety among nursing students.

METHODS

This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted between August 22nd and September 23rd, 2023, at the School of Nursing and Midwifery in Kermanshah, located in western Iran. A convenience sampling method was employed, resulting in the recruitment of 258 participants. Data were collected using a three-part questionnaire, including a demographic information form, the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) to assess the severity of nomophobia, and the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS) to measure social anxiety levels. Data were analyzed using STATA, version 14. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic and clinical characteristics. The Chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, the Pearson correlation coefficient, and linear regression modeling were employed for inferential analysis.

RESULTS

All participating nursing students (n = 258) exhibited some degree of nomophobia. The prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe nomophobia was 40.7%, 40.3%, and 19%, respectively. Furthermore, 25.6% of the students experienced social anxiety. A significant positive correlation was found between nomophobia scores and social interaction anxiety (r =.37, P <.001). Social interaction anxiety emerged as the only significant independent predictor of nomophobia (P <.001), explaining 21% of the variance in nomophobia scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate both the prevalence of nomophobia and social anxiety, as well as the correlation between these two factors among students. Considering the numerous risks associated with nomophobia and social interaction anxiety, it is essential to optimize technology use and improve social interactions among students. Identifying students at risk of nomophobia and social interaction anxiety and providing psychological counseling services to them should be prioritized.

The prevalence of nomophobia in Cyprus and its relationship with coping styles

Introduction

The rise in smartphone use and the resulting dependence has led to the emergence of nomophobia, a term describing the anxiety or discomfort experienced when individuals are without their mobile phones. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of nomophobia among adults in Cyprus and explore its relationship with demographic characteristics, reasons for smartphone use, and coping styles.

Methods

In line with this aim, participants were 300 adults from Cyprus recruited by convenience and snowball sampling methods. The data were collected via an internet-based questionnaire that examined participants' level of nomophobia, reasons for phone use, time spent on their phones, and coping styles. The study utilized a Personal Information Form, the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q), and the Brief Coping to Problems Experienced Inventory (Brief COPE) to gather data.

Results

The results suggest that (a) nearly all participants (99.3%) exhibited some level of nomophobia, with more than half of our sample (51.3%) experiencing moderate levels, (b) younger adults, women, and individuals with lower education levels were more prone to nomophobia, (c) communication and social media were positively related to nomophobia, and (d) maladaptive and avoidant coping strategies exacerbated the severity of nomophobia.

Discussion

The findings highlight the growing concern of nomophobia and stress the need for educational programs promoting healthier smartphone habits.

Nomophobia among nursing students: prevalence and associated factors

Nomophobia, or the fear of being without a mobile phone, has been linked to negative impacts on the physical, psychological, and academic well-being of students, including nursing students. While the prevalence of nomophobia and its associated factors vary across studies, limited research has focused on nursing students in Hamedan-Iran. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of nomophobia and its related factors among nursing students in Hamedan Province. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 407 nursing students recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected through the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMPQ). Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Scheffé post-hoc tests, and Multiple linear regression, were performed using STATA-14 software to determine the prevalence of nomophobia and identify factors associated with nomophobia among nursing students. Nursing students' mean total nomophobia score was 73.8 ± 23.7 (out of 140). A substantial proportion (72%) experienced moderate to severe nomophobia. Nomophobia severity was significantly associated with educational level, grade point average, smartphone checking frequency, daily internet usage, and primary phone use (academic vs. non-academic). Educational level, grade point average, and smartphone checking frequency emerged as significant predictors of nomophobia. The present study reveals a high prevalence of nomophobia among nursing students. Given the detrimental impact of nomophobia on physical and mental health, as well as academic performance, there is a pressing need for targeted interventions. Raising awareness about the adverse consequences of excessive smartphone use and providing accessible counseling and psychological support services can be effective strategies to mitigate the negative effects of nomophobia in this population.

Nomophobia: An emerging problem

The rapid rise of the use and the human race’s reliance on technological devices such as mobile phones in the 21st century has been the precipitant for nomophobia and the current usage of such devices is only on the incline. The global burden of nomophobia will continue to rise and it is therefore prudent that the public are better educated about nomophobia and their devices as well as the negatives side effects of the overuse thereof. Prevention through limiting screen time and self-control measures remains the best arsenal to curb the precipitation and development of nomophobia.

Mediating effect of social interaction anxiety between emotional intelligence and life satisfaction in physical education students: post-COVID-19 study

The aim of this research is to analyze the effect of social interaction anxiety on satisfaction with life mediated by emotional intelligence. The research design was descriptive, cross-sectional, and non-randomized. In total, 1,164 Mexican physical education students participated (Mage = 21.21; SD = 3.26; 30.0% female; 69.6% male; 0.4% other). The scales used were the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale, Trait Meta-Mood Scale and Satisfaction with Life and a structural equation analysis with latent variables was conducted. The results highlight that it can be asserted that emotional clarity and repair had a mediating effect between social interaction anxiety and satisfaction with life, as they did decrease the negative effects of social interaction anxiety on satisfaction with life. In addition, social interaction anxiety had a direct and positive effect on emotional attention and a negative effect on emotional clarity and repair.