Smartphone addiction in students: A qualitative examination of the components model of addiction using face-to-face interviews

Abstract

Background and aims: Smartphone use has increased markedly over the past decade and recent research has demonstrated that a small minority of users experience problematic consequences, which in extreme cases have been contextualized as an addiction. To date, most research have been quantitative and survey-based. This study qualitatively examined the components model of addiction for both "addicted" and "non-addicted" users. Methods: A screening tool comprising 10 dichotomous items was administered to 40 college students. Of these, six addicted and six non-addicted participants were identified on the basis of their score on the screening tool and were asked to participate in a semi-structured interview. The interview questions were based on the components model of addiction comprising six domains (i.e., salience, withdrawal, conflict, relapse and reinstatement, tolerance, and mood modification). Directed content analysis was used to analyze the transcribed data and subthemes as well as emerging themes for the study as a whole were established. Results: There was some evidence of demarcation between smartphone addicts on the dimensions of salience, tolerance, withdrawal, and conflict. Mood modification was not much different in either group, and no participant reported relapse. Conclusions: The non-addicted group had much greater control over their smartphone usage than the addicted group on four (of six) aforementioned dimensions of behavioral addiction. Consequently, the main findings of this study provided good support for the components model of behavioral addiction.

Relationship between Lifestyle and Self-Reported Smartphone Addiction in adolescents in the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods study

“…The smartphone is sometimes seen as an extension of your own self. In addition to that, they assert that SRSA exerted an impact on their relationships with family members and friends ( Jameel et al, 2019 ).…”

“…It was necessary to implement ERT and, consequently, they started to enjoy more freedom to use their smartphones during classes; however, not always for academic purposes. Thus, the adolescents tend to get distracted and lose the focus on their studies, with negative repercussions in their academic performance ( Alosaimi et al, 2016 ; Jameel et al, 2019 ).…”

A Systematic Review of Prevention and Intervention Strategies for Smartphone Addiction in Students: Applicability During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Lack of inhibition control ability is related to a variety of addictions and problem behaviors (D'Hondt, . Out-of-control smartphone use is also one of the main characteristics of individuals with SPA (Jameel, Shahnawaz, & Griffiths, 2019). Enhancing inhibition control skills in students with SPA is an effective method to reduce pathological smartphone use.…”

Validity test of the theory of planned behavior in college students’ withdrawal from smartphone dependence

“…Various applications (APPs) together with the development of mobile internet make smartphone a powerful tool that is available almost anytime and anywhere. Because smartphones are Internet-enabled mobile phones, and have multiple functions, a series of tasks and activities such as work, study, entertainment, shopping and social communication can be conducted through this little intelligent devices (Jameel et al 2019). Therefore, some individuals spend more and more time on smartphones, and gradually, they develop smartphones dependence.…”

“…In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, many studies have shown that there are significant positive correlations between mobile phone dependence risk and college students' perceived stress and loneliness (Samaha and Hawi 2016;Tan et al 2013). Although the adverse outcomes of smartphone dependence on physical and mental health have caught the attention of many researchers and participants, participants failed to quit this addictive behavior (Jameel et al 2019;Yang et al 2019). As a sample item included in the smartphone addiction scale (SAS) reads: Having tried time and again to shorten my smartphone use time, but failing all the time.…”