The relative importance of transdiagnostic factors associated with problematic smartphone use

Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is associated with numerous costs. Yet, the phenomenology of PSU is not well understood, particularly regarding the relative contribution of transdiagnostic factors in the development, maintenance, and treatment of PSU. The present study aimed to evaluate one transdiagnostic factor, namely psychological inflexibility, in relation with eight factors known to contribute to PSU. Undergraduates (N = 239; Mage = 18.96, SDage = 1.10; 54.8% female) completed a self-report battery assessing PSU, transdiagnostic factors, demographic variables, and depression and anxiety. PSU was regressed on the nine factors controlling for gender, depression, and anxiety, and relative weights were calculated. Together, the model accounted for 42% of the total variance in PSU, with fear of missing out and psychological inflexibility explaining 47% of that total variance. Findings are discussed broadly in terms of PSU research and intervention development.

Duke Scholars

Author Max Roberts