1
|
Kim M, Seong G, Jeon MJ, Jung YC, Lee D. The mediating effect of attentional impulsivity between mindfulness and problematic smartphone use. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:294. [PMID: 38637786 PMCID: PMC11025234 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05708-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Problematic smartphone use has been linked to lower levels of mindfulness, impaired attentional function, and higher impulsivity. This study aimed to identify the psychological mechanisms of problematic smartphone use by exploring the relationship between addictive smartphone use, mindfulness, attentional function and impulsivity. METHODS Ninety participants were evaluated with the smartphone addiction proneness scale and classified into the problematic smartphone use group (n = 42; 24 women; mean age: 27.6 ± 7.2 years) or normal use group (n = 48; 22 women; mean age: 30.1 ± 5.7 years). All participants completed self-report questionnaires evaluating their trait impulsivity and mindfulness and attention tests that assessed selective, sustained and divided attention. We compared the variables between the groups and explored the relationship between mindfulness, attentional function, impulsivity and addictive smartphone use through mediation analysis. RESULTS The problematic smartphone use group showed higher trait impulsivity and lower mindfulness than the normal use group. There were no significant group differences in performance on attention tests. Levels of addictive smartphone use were significantly correlated with higher levels of trait impulsivity and lower levels of mindfulness, but not with performance on attention tests. Mediation analysis showed that acting with awareness, an aspect of mindfulness, reduces the degree of addictive smartphone use through attentional impulsivity, one of the trait impulsivity. CONCLUSION Acting without sufficient awareness could influence addictive smartphone use by mediating attentional impulsivity. This supports that executive control deficits, reflected in high attentional impulsivity, contribute to problematic smartphone use. Our findings imply that mindfulness-based interventions can enhance executive control over smartphone use by promoting awareness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minjung Kim
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Goeun Seong
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min-Jeong Jeon
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin, Korea
| | - Young-Chul Jung
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Psychiatry, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Institute for Innovation in Digital Healthcare, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Deokjong Lee
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Yonsei Empathy Psychiatry Clinic, Seoul, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Harkin B, Davies LE, Yates A. Contamination-Focussed Vignettes as an Analogue of Infectious Pandemics: An Experimental Validation using the State Disgust and Anxiety Responses in OCD. Psychol Rep 2024:332941241238208. [PMID: 38462961 DOI: 10.1177/00332941241238208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Despite infectious pandemics proving particularly detrimental to those with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), the investigation of analogous experimental paradigms is lacking. To address this gap, we conducted two studies employing vignettes that depicted contamination-related situations commonly experienced during a pandemic (e.g., Coughing into hands and failing to use hand sanitizer). We manipulated the salience of these vignettes across three levels: high contamination, low contamination, and a neutral control condition. Our examination of state anxiety and disgust responses in all participants revealed the successful manipulation of the vignettes' impact. Specifically, individuals with more severe OCD symptoms reported significantly higher levels of state disgust and anxiety for both high and low contamination vignettes, in contrast to the group with lower symptom severity. No significant differences were observed in the neutral vignette condition between the high- and low-scoring groups. Interestingly, for those with higher OCD symptoms, high salience contamination-focused vignettes resulted in similarly elevated state disgust and anxiety, regardless of whether the vignettes were situated in public (Study 1) or domestic (Study 2) settings. This suggests that the heightened sensitivity to contamination-related scenarios observed in individuals with OCD symptoms in the present study is not confined to a specific context. These findings support the use of contamination-focused vignettes as analogues for studying infectious pandemics and provide valuable insights into OCD models, interventions, and future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben Harkin
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Lucy E Davies
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Alan Yates
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen Q, Ji H, Shang Q. The association between the diversity of online activities on smartphones and cognitive function among middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:547. [PMID: 38383336 PMCID: PMC10882890 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17932-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have shown that using smartphones can improve cognitive function, but no studies have shown the effect of the diversity of online activities on cognitive function. Therefore, this study explores the association between the diversity of online activity on smartphones and cognitive function among middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults. METHODS A total of 13,347 Chinese middle-aged and elderly participants were used in the final analysis. Multivariate linear regression models were used to explore the relationships among the frequency of smartphone use, number of online activities, various activities, and cognitive function. RESULTS We found that 2,143 respondents (16.1%) used smartphones, and the top three online activities were watching news (80.3%), posting moments (72.4%), and chatting (68.0%) among all smartphone users to access the internet. After adjusting for all covariates, we found that the increase in the frequency of smartphone use and the number of online activities were correlated with a higher cognitive score. Moreover, some online activities, such as watching news (β:0.5, 95% CI:0.2-0.8), posting moments (β:0.4, 95% CI:0.2-0.7) playing games (β:0.3, 95% CI:0.03-0.6) and making mobile payments (β:0.3, 95% CI:0.1-0.5) were independently associated with good cognitive function. DISCUSSION In the middle-aged and elderly population, smartphone use plays an important role in cognitive function. Considering the increasing prevalence of smartphones among middle-aged and elderly individuals, this study can provide references and insights for health education and in-depth scientific research related to internet usage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Chen
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 250300, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Haoqiang Ji
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
- Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Lixia District, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Qingxin Shang
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 250300, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 4655 Daxue Road, Changqing District, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hartanto A, Chua YJ, Quek FYX, Wong J, Ooi WM, Majeed NM. Problematic smartphone usage, objective smartphone engagement, and executive functions: A latent variable analysis. Atten Percept Psychophys 2023; 85:2610-2625. [PMID: 37188861 DOI: 10.3758/s13414-023-02707-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The negative consequences of smartphone usage have seen frequent discourse in popular media. While existing studies seek to resolve these debates in relation to executive functions, findings are still limited and mixed. This is partly due to the lack of conceptual clarity about smartphone usage, the use of self-reported measures, and problems related to task impurity. Addressing these limitations, the current study utilizes a latent variable approach to examine various types of smartphone usage, including objectively measured data-logged screen time and screen-checking, and nine executive function tasks in 260 young adults through a multi-session study. Our structural equation models showed no evidence that self-reported normative smartphone usage, objective screen time, and objective screen-checking are associated with deficits in latent factors of inhibitory control, task-switching, and working memory capacity. Only self-reported problematic smartphone usage was associated with deficits in latent factor task-switching. These findings shed light on the boundary conditions of the link between smartphone usage and executive functions and suggest that smartphone usage in moderation may not have inherent harms on cognitive functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yi Jing Chua
- Singapore Management University, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Joax Wong
- Singapore Management University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Ming Ooi
- Singapore Management University, Singapore, Singapore
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tarabay R, Gerges S, Sarray El Dine A, Malaeb D, Obeid S, Hallit S, Soufia M. Exploring the indirect effect of loneliness in the association between problematic use of social networks and cognitive function in Lebanese adolescents. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:152. [PMID: 37158956 PMCID: PMC10166028 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01168-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Problematic use of social networks is a widespread problem that may exert deleterious impacts on cognitive functions. Moreover, studies have added an important link between loneliness and its harmful effect on cognitive functions. Other studies have also revealed that problematic use of social networks among teenagers has a pejorative influence on their social interactions, leading to increased social isolation. Therefore, the goal of our research was to investigate the link between problematic use of social networks and cognitive function in a group of Lebanese adolescents while also taking into consideration the indirect role of loneliness in this relationship. METHODS This cross-sectional study, which was carried out between January and April 2022, included 379 teenagers (aged between 13 and 17 years), from all Lebanese governorates. The PROCESS SPSS Macro version 3.4, model four was used to compute three pathways. Pathway A determined the regression coefficient for the effect of problematic use of social networks on loneliness; Pathway B examined the association between loneliness and cognitive function, and Pathway C' estimated the direct effect of problematic use of social networks on cognitive function. RESULTS Higher negative social comparison, addictive consequences of problematic use of social networks, and loneliness were significantly associated with worse cognitive function. Loneliness mediated the association between negative social comparison and worse cognitive function, as well as between addictive consequences of problematic use of social networks and worse cognitive function. In addition, higher financial burden was significantly correlated with worse cognitive function, whereas higher physical activity was related to better cognitive function. CONCLUSION In sum, the current study supports that problematic use of social networks is negatively associated with adolescents' cognitive function, where loneliness seems to play a pivotal role in this equation. The results thus endorse the importance of helping Lebanese adolescents to overcome problematic use of social networks and recover from their loneliness, to achieve a better cognitive/academic performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rami Tarabay
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Sarah Gerges
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Abir Sarray El Dine
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Diana Malaeb
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Med University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sahar Obeid
- School of Arts and Sciences, Social and Education Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, P.O. Box 60096, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
| | - Michel Soufia
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fabio RA, Suriano R. The Influence of Smartphone Use on Tweens' Capacity for Complex Critical Thinking. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10040698. [PMID: 37189947 DOI: 10.3390/children10040698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The spread of modern technologies exposes many people to a high level of ambiguous and misleading information that can impact people's judgments and worldviews. This happens especially in a phase of life such as preadolescence when children are particularly sensitive to external conditioning. Critical thinking can be seen as the first line of defense against misleading information. However, little is known about the consequences of media use on the critical thinking skills of tweens. In this study, we evaluated the effects of problematic smartphone use on the various stages of critical thinking, comparing high and low tween smartphone users. The results confirm the main hypothesis, namely, that problematic smartphone use is related to the ability to think critically. There was a significant difference between high and low users in the third phase of critical thinking: evaluation of sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Angela Fabio
- Department of Economy, University of Messina, Via dei Verdi, 75, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Rossella Suriano
- Department of Cognitive, Psychological and Pedagogical Sciences and Cultural Studies, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Świątek AH, Szcześniak M, Aleksandrowicz B, Zaczkowska D, Wawer W, Ścisłowska M. Problematic Smartphone Use and Social Media Fatigue: The Mediating Role of Self-Control. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:211-222. [PMID: 36718180 PMCID: PMC9884050 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s389806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Excessive social media consumption leads to addiction and affects mental health. It is a phenomenon that is difficult to avoid. Previous research on the effects of excessive Internet use shows that people who engage in social media (SM) without restraint experience over-involvement, over-disclosure, technostress, and social media fatigue (SMF). SMF, conceptualized as an emotional and cognitive feeling of being overwhelmed, manifests itself in mindless browsing of content, limiting the amount of time spent on SM, or quitting SM altogether. Self-control, although present in the technology addiction literature and psychology research, has been rarely described in relation to both excessive SM use and SMF. Therefore, the main goal of the present study was to verify whether there is a direct relationship between problematic smartphone use and SMF, and whether this association is mediated by self-control. Methods The study included 210 respondents (M = 25.85, SD = 9.84) living in different Polish cities. The survey was conducted online, and the respondents consented to participate in the study. They completed the following measures: the Mobile Phone Problematic Use, the Self-Control Scale, the Social Media Fatigue Scale, and a brief questionnaire with socio-demographic data. Results Statistical analysis was performed to verify the relationship between problematic mobile phone use, level of self-control, and SMF. The outcomes indicate that there are significant interrelationships between the three studied variables. The association between problematic smartphone use and SMF is mediated by self-control. Conclusion A lack of impulse-inhibition skills, such as compulsive checking of notifications, can be a significant factor in SM exhaustion, fatigue, or frustration. SMF can also be understood as a natural defensive response, triggered in situations where individuals are overwhelmed, when the self-control is insufficient to stop the compulsion to use SM, and the use of a smartphone for this purpose is excessively engaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Małgorzata Szcześniak
- Institute of Psychology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland,Correspondence: Małgorzata Szcześniak, Email
| | | | - Daria Zaczkowska
- Institute of Psychology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Weronika Wawer
- Institute of Psychology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|