Psychological Predictors of Problem Mobile Phone Use

TLDR

Mobile phone use is prohibited in some contexts, yet many people continue to use them despite safety concerns and legal restrictions. The study aimed to predict problematic mobile phone use from extraversion, self‑esteem, neuroticism, gender, and age. The authors used the Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale, validated against the Addiction Potential Scale and overall usage levels, to assess problem use and examined these personality traits and demographics as predictors. Problem use increased with age, extraversion, and low self‑esteem but was unrelated to neuroticism, highlighting extraverted young drivers as a high‑risk group for targeted interventions.

Abstract

Mobile phone use is banned or illegal under certain circumstances and in some jurisdictions. Nevertheless, some people still use their mobile phones despite recognized safety concerns, legislation, and informal bans. Drawing potential predictors from the addiction literature, this study sought to predict usage and, specifically, problematic mobile phone use from extraversion, self-esteem, neuroticism, gender, and age. To measure problem use, the Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale was devised and validated as a reliable self-report instrument, against the Addiction Potential Scale and overall mobile phone usage levels. Problem use was a function of age, extraversion, and low self-esteem, but not neuroticism. As extraverts are more likely to take risks, and young drivers feature prominently in automobile accidents, this study supports community concerns about mobile phone use, and identifies groups that should be targeted in any intervention campaigns.