The association between the Big Five personality traits and smartphone use disorder: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Background and aimsPersonality is one of the most frequently investigated variables to shed light on the putatively addictive use of the smartphone. By investigating associations between personality and individual differences in addictive smartphone use, researchers aim to understand if some personality traits predispose technology users to develop addictive behaviors. Here, based on existing empirical literature, we aimed at determining the strength of associations between Big Five personality traits and smartphone use disorder (SmUD) by a meta-analytic approach.MethodFor each Big Five personality trait, we performed a meta-analysis of correlations representing their association with SmUD. We also investigated possible publication bias and the moderating effects of age, gender, nationality, length of personality assessments, and time of publication.ResultsWe found n = 26 eligible studies. In line with both the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model and the framework on problematic mobile-phone use by Billieux, we observed a positive association between Neuroticism and SmUD (r = 0.25), while the association between Extraversion and SmUD was not significant. Partially in line with the aforementioned theoretical frameworks, Conscientiousness was negatively associated with SmUD (r = −0.16). Remaining traits showed smaller associations. No significant publication bias emerged. Moderator analyses showed that time of publication moderated the link between Conscientiousness and SmUD. Moreover, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness showed a heightened inverse association with SmUD among older samples.ConclusionsThe present meta-analysis provides robust empirical evidence that Big Five personality traits can help to understand individual differences in SmUD, supporting the usefulness of their assessment when planning and targeting interventions aimed at at-risk individuals.

Problematic Smartphone Use—Comparison of Students With and Without Problematic Smartphone Use in Light of Personality

“…Overall, current findings add to previous reports in several ways. First of all, up-to-date findings fill the surprising lack of current data in this research area (44). This is especially important, considering that the association between personality traits and smartphone use might change over time (i.e., discussed relationship between openness and problematic smartphone use).…”

“…Despite an abundance of evidence showing the relationship between personality traits and addictive behavior (32), the scientific literature is scarce in studies emphasizing the interconnections between Big Five personality traits and problematic smartphone use (44). There are some findings showing that psychopathology is associated with problematic use of technology (52,53).…”

“…Unfortunately, most studies on personality and problematic smartphone use focus on only some Big Five personality traits, especially neuroticism [e.g., ( 43)]. In their meta-analysis, Marengo et al (44) also report an association between conscientiousness, agreeableness, and neuroticism and problematic smartphone use. Time of publication was related with increased strength of the correlation.…”

“…However, authors strongly highlight existing limitations in the current literature. For example, available data are dated, and the very limited number of studies at hand lowers the meta-analysis' ability to detect small-sized moderation effects, leading to low statistical power (44). A majority of included studies were carried out in English-speaking countries, underlying the need for increased diversity in this research area, especially considering cultural differences in personality traits.…”

Uso problemático del smartphone: el papel de los Cinco Grandes, la Tríada Oscura y la impulsividad

“…Una de las teorías de la personalidad más extendidas es el modelo de los cinco grandes, que incluye los factores de extraversión (ser sociable), afabilidad (ser tolerante), apertura a la experiencia (ser creativo), neuroticismo (ser emocionalmente inestable) y responsabilidad (ser organizado) (Costa & McCrae, 1992). Un reciente metaanálisis que ha examinado los resultados de 36 estudios ha mostrado cómo el alto neuroticismo y la baja responsabilidad presentan asociaciones significativas con el uso problemático del smartphone (Marengo et al, 2020). Asimismo, el modelo teórico desarrollado por Billieux y colaboradores para explicar el uso problemático del teléfono móvil presenta el neuroticismo y la inestabilidad emocional como factores de riesgo que pueden provocar un patrón adictivo en cuanto al uso de este dispositivo (Billieux et al, 2015).…”