Do Age and Educational Stage Influence No-Mobile-Phone Phobia?

Abstract

Technological progress not only brings with it resources that improve and facilitate the day-to-day life of the people who make up society but also entails health risks, with the emergence of terms, such as nomophobia, which is considered an anxiety disorder produced by the fear that not having a mobile phone generates in a person. This research aims to identify the relationship and influence between levels of nomophobia and the age or educational stage of students. The research method is based on a correlational and predictive design of quantitative methodology. The instrument used is the NMP-Q questionnaire. The study population is students from different educational stages (obligatory secondary education, baccalaureate, vocational training and university). The results show that students over 12 years old present an average level of “nomophobia” (no-mobile-phone phobia), namely, not being able to communicate with the family where the highest levels are presented. We conclude that students over 12 years of age and of any educational stage present an average level of nomophobia, and it cannot be determined that either the educational stage or the age are determining factors in the presentation of this problem. This can occur at any age and at any level of the different educational stages, although there are risk indicators that we should bear in mind to avoid the appearance of nomophobia.

Nomophobia is Associated with Insomnia but Not with Age, Sex, BMI, or Mobile Phone Screen Size in Young Adults

“… 11 A recent study also concluded that nomophobia is also present equally at the different educational stages. 22 Consequently, the presence of a person having nomophobia cannot be assumed based on age, sex, or education. 11 , 22 …”

“… 22 Consequently, the presence of a person having nomophobia cannot be assumed based on age, sex, or education. 11 , 22 …”

“…10,11 Nomophobia is associated with sleep problems (primarily insomnia), 6,12 depressive symptoms, 10,13 anger problems, 14 stress disorders, 5 anxiety, 5,10,13 hyperactivity and oppositional problems, 5,15 poor self-esteem, 16 poor quality of life, 13,17 and poor academic performance. [18][19][20] To date, the disorder has been studied primarily in students, 13,[21][22][23][24][25][26][27] especially those studying health sciences as undergraduates, mainly nursing, 28,29 in which selfesteem, extraversion, conscientiousness, and emotional instability appeared to be associated with the disorder. 30 A recent meta-analysis of twenty studies involving 12,462 participants documented that the prevalence of severe nomophobia is approximately 21% [95% CI 16%; 28%], suggesting that the societal burden of the condition is significant.…”

“…11 A recent study also concluded that nomophobia is also present equally at the different educational stages. 22 Consequently, the presence of a person having nomophobia cannot be assumed based on age, sex, or education. 11,22 With the rapidly expanding use of visual display technology in mobile phones and other modern household devices, concern has developed regarding the potential hazards emanating from their use.…”

“…22 Consequently, the presence of a person having nomophobia cannot be assumed based on age, sex, or education. 11,22 With the rapidly expanding use of visual display technology in mobile phones and other modern household devices, concern has developed regarding the potential hazards emanating from their use. It is not easily discernible whether nomophobia originates from problematic smartphone use or pre-existing anxiety.…”