Nomofobia e phubbing

: relação com depressão clínica e sintomatologia depressiva em jovens adultos e adultos na meia-idade

Abstract

Attachment to mobile phones may trigger negative psychological consequences, such as depressive episodes and depressive symptoms, which can worsen into Nomophobia and Phubbing if excessive. This study aims to explore the relationship between the act of ignoring others in favor of the mobile phone and depression in young adults and middle­aged adults. The sample consisted of 220 Portuguese subjects, with a mean age of 27 years (SD = 9.94; range = 18 ­ 59 years). Of the 220, 186 participants (n = 186, 84.5%) belonged to the Young Adult cohort (18 ­ 39 years), and 34 to the Middle­Aged Adult cohort (40 ­ 59 years) (n = 34,15.5%). Participants completed the Nomophobia Questionnaire, the Phubbing Scale, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, and the Clinical Depression Assessment Inventory. The young adult cohort presents higher levels of nomophobia and phubbing, with most of these participants displaying moderate nomophobia. In the middle­aged adult cohort, most participants show mild nomophobia. In both cohorts, the absence of nomophobia is 0%. Nomophobia and Phubbing are positively and significantly related to clinical depression and depressive symptoms. Females in both cohorts exhibit higher levels of nomophobia, phubbing, and depression. This study reveals the association between nomophobia, phubbing, and depression in both cohorts, with younger individuals and women showing the highest levels. Therefore, it is important to conduct more robust studies and develop awareness/prevention actions and mental health promotion initiatives.

Date of Award	15 Apr 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Berta Rodrigues Maia (Supervisor)