Patterns of Internet Addiction in an Italian sample: 100% of the sample experience Nomophobia

Marcolini, Federica; Buffa, Gabriele; Valenta, Silvia Tempia; De Ronchi, Diana; Atti, Anna Rita · 2024 · Crossref

DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4130604/v1

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Summary

This study investigates the prevalence and psychopathological correlates of Nomophobia, defined as the pathological fear of being disconnected from mobile phone connectivity, within an Italian population. Motivated by the growing recognition of Internet Addiction Disorder as a significant psychosocial phenomenon, the research aims to quantify the spread of this specific manifestation of technology addiction and evaluate its association with impulsivity. The study addresses a gap in existing literature, as no prior research had examined the psychopathological correlates of Nomophobia among Italians. The researchers conducted an anonymous online survey between January and May 2023, distributing a questionnaire via QR code to the general adult population in Bologna, Italy. The final sample comprised 253 participants (145 females, 108 males) with a mean age of 33.5 years. To assess Nomophobia, the study utilized the Italian version of the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q), a 20-item instrument where scores range from 20 to 140, with scores ≥100 indicating severe symptoms. Impulsivity was measured using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), which evaluates motor, non-planning, and attentional impulsivity. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and Pearson’s linear correlation to determine relationships between impulsivity and Nomophobia severity. The results revealed that 100% of the sample tested positive for Nomophobia. Specifically, 54.2% exhibited moderate symptoms, while 11.5% displayed severe Nomophobia. Severe cases were disproportionately represented by females (75.9% of severe cases) and individuals aged 18–25 years, who accounted for 55.2% of severe instances. Notably, students and employees were equally represented among severe cases. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between severe Nomophobia and high impulsivity, particularly within the motor impulsivity subscale (p < 0.006). The authors acknowledge limitations, including potential selection bias due to online distribution, small sample size, and the restricted scope of psychopathological assessment. The findings highlight the pervasive nature of Nomophobia in contemporary society, suggesting it is a widespread issue rather than a rare disorder. The strong link between severe Nomophobia and impulsivity supports the conceptualization of this condition as an addictive behavior driven by reward-seeking and lack of premeditation. The authors conclude that the high prevalence warrants further investigation into its clinical significance and potential inclusion in diagnostic manuals. They emphasize the need for educational programs to promote healthy technology use, particularly among young adults, and call for broader, standardized research to better characterize the phenomenon and its impact on mental health, social isolation, and safety.

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• anxiety depression driving