Depression, anxiety, and smartphone addiction in university students- A cross sectional study

Summary

Objectives The study aims to assess prevalence of smartphone addiction symptoms, and to ascertain whether depression or anxiety, independently, contributes to smartphone addiction level among a sample of Lebanese university students, while adjusting simultaneously for important sociodemographic, academic, lifestyle, personality trait, and smartphone-related variables. Methods A random sample of 688 undergraduate university students (mean age = 20.64 ±1.88 years; 53% men) completed a survey composed of a) questions about socio-demographics, academics, lifestyle behaviors, personality type, and smartphone use-related variables; b) 26-item Smartphone Addiction Inventory (SPAI) Scale; and c) brief screeners of depression and anxiety (PHQ-2 and GAD-2), which constitute the two core DSM-IV items for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, respectively. Results Prevalence rates of smartphone-related compulsive behavior, functional impairment, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms were substantial. 35.9% felt tired during daytime due to late-night smartphone use, 38.1% acknowledged decreased sleep quality, and 35.8% slept less than four hours due to smartphone use more than once. Whereas gender, residence, work hours per week, faculty, academic performance (GPA), lifestyle habits (smoking and alcohol drinking), and religious practice did not associate with smartphone addiction score; personality type A, class (year 2 vs. year 3), younger age at first smartphone use, excessive use during a weekday, using it for entertainment and not using it to call family members, and having depression or anxiety, showed statistically significant associations with smartphone addiction. Depression and anxiety scores emerged as independent positive predictors of smartphone addiction, after adjustment for confounders. Conclusion Several independent positive predictors of smartphone addiction emerged including depression and anxiety. It could be that young adults with personality type A experiencing high stress level and low mood may lack positive stress coping mechanisms and mood management techniques and are thus highly susceptible to smartphone addiction.

Key Points

• 1The study involves 688 Lebanese university students to assess smartphone addiction prevalence
• 2Depression and anxiety emerged as independent positive predictors of smartphone addiction
• 3Various sociodemographic and personality traits were analyzed to determine their association with smartphone addiction
• 4Substantial rates of smartphone-related compulsive behaviors and functional impairments were reported among participants

Related articles

• THE SELF FROM EASTERN AND WESTERN PERSPECTIVES

  This document explores the contrasting views of self from Eastern and Western perspectives, highlighting significant cultural differences and similarities in their philosophies regarding individuality and collectivism.

• Introduction to Psychology

  This document serves as an introductory lesson on psychology, exploring its definition, goals, and relevance in daily life and various professions. It distinguishes scientific psychology from popular psychology while offering insights into how psychological principles apply to personal growth and interpersonal relationships.

• Personality Theory Overview

  This document provides an extensive review of personality theories, exploring various perspectives, definitions, and the importance of research in understanding personality. It discusses individual differences, the definition of theory, and outlines several major psychological perspectives on personality.

• Annual Review of Clinical Psychology Personality Disorders: Current Conceptualizations and Challenges

  This article reviews current conceptualizations and challenges in the diagnosis of personality disorders, particularly focusing on the shift towards a dimensional model of classification in accordance with DSM-5 and ICD-11.

• Clinical Neurobiology and Psychological Adaptations of the Secondary Partner in Covert Relational Dynamics

  This document provides a comprehensive analysis of the psychological and neurobiological impacts on the secondary partners involved in covert relationships, exploring the stressors they experience and the adaptations they undergo to maintain their role.