Attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms predict problematic mobile phone use

Panagiotidi, M; Overton, P

Abstract

Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed childhood disorder characterised by inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or both. Some of the key traits of ADHD have previously been linked to addictive and problematic behaviours. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between problematic mobile phone use, smartphone
addiction risk and ADHD symptoms in an adult population. A sample of 273 healthy adult volunteers completed the Adult
ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), the Mobile Phone Problem Usage Scale (MPPUS), and the Smartphone Addiction Scale
(SAS). A significant positive correlation was found between the ASRS and both scales. More specifically, inattention symptoms
and age predicted smartphone addiction risk and problematic mobile phone use. Our results suggest that there is a positive
relationship between ADHD traits and problematic mobile phone use. In particular, younger adults with higher level of inattention symptoms could be at higher risk of developing smartphone addiction. The implication of our findings for theoretical
frameworks of problematic mobile phone use and clinical practice are discussed.

Citation

Panagiotidi, M., & Overton, P. (2020). Attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms predict problematic mobile phone use. Current Psychology, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-020-00785-2

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: May 19, 2020
• Publication Date: May 19, 2020
• Deposit Date: May 21, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: May 21, 2020
• Journal: Current Psychology
• Print ISSN: 1046-1310
• Electronic ISSN: 1936-4733
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-020-00785-2
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-020-00785-2
• Related Public URLs: http://link.springer.com/journal/12144