The Relationship Between Nomophobia, Addiction, and Distraction

Abstract

Nomophobia is the fear of not accessing a mobile phone which has been recognised in the literature as a series of feelings and symptoms experienced by mobile/smartphone users. In the same manner, distraction and addiction have been found to interact with increasing usage and impact on users’ wellbeing. This study aimed to explore the relationship between nomophobia and distraction-addiction through a cross-sectional study. One hundred and sixty-four participants aged between 18 and 70, 118 females (72%) and 46 males (28%) completed the Smartphone Addiction Scale, the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, and the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q). Distraction, addiction, and nomophobia scores were moderately to strongly correlated. Distraction and addiction scores were both significant predictors of nomophobia scores. Males scored higher for nomophobia but lower for addiction than females, with no differences for distraction. Results suggest that feelings of nomophobia may be related to withdrawal and addiction effects rather than fear. Findings may support the inclusion of a “Smartphone Addiction Disorder” in future editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Further research exploring symptoms and severity of Nomophobia may contribute to the diagnosis and treatment.