A Structural Equation Modeling Approach to Understand the Dynamics of Smartphone Attachment and Problematic Smartphone use

Abstract

AbstractProblematic smartphone use (PSU), conceptualized as the overuse of one’s smartphone, has received much attention in the empirical literature. One specific lens that has been used to study smartphone use is attachment theory. The current study evaluated the tenets of attachment to smartphones to further understand the relationship of smartphone attachment with problematic use. A total of 761 adults, who were primarily female and White, from the United States of America, completed a variety of measures. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test a theoretical model, and it was revealed that the extent someone viewed their smartphone as a refuge (i.e., secure base) predicted PSU. Moreover, refuge mediated the relations between Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and PSU. The current research contributes to the literature a better understanding of the dynamics between smartphone attachment and PSU. Theoretical basis for the findings are discussed and suggestions for future research are proposed.