From non-problematic smartphone use to smartphone addiction: Impulsivity-based profiles

Abstract

Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is an uncontrollable behavior that impedes the ability to stop using it despite potential negative consequences. This excessive behavior has been considered in the research field as a behavioral addiction, as literature has shown common characteristics with behavioral addictions, including its impulsivity-driven factor. However, impulsivity is a multidimensional construct whose specific traits lead differently to each addiction. Hence, the present study aimed to address the different existent PSU profiles depending on their individual impulsivity personality traits. To this end, N = 412 adults (average age 31.91, SD = 11.70, including 108 men and 304 women) were recruited to explore their daily smartphone usage, level of smartphone addiction (SAS-SV) and impulsivity profile across the five impulsivity personality traits (UPPS-P). Cluster analysis revealed the existence of three different profiles: one without PSU; one showing an excessive impulsively but almost no addictive smartphone use, expressing only a loss of control symptomatology; and one showing excessive impulsively but also addictive smartphone patterns, driven mainly by the impulsivity personality traits of negative urgency, positive urgency and lack of premeditation. Therefore, this study showed the impulsivity personality traits that differentiate excessive from addictive smartphone use, which is valuable information for the development of more precise prevention and interventions programs.