Exploring the Relationship between Smartphone Addiction, Quality of Life, and Personality Traits in University Students

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore the dynamics of the relationship among smartphone addiction, quality of life, and personality characteristics in university students. Method: This correlational and descriptive research was conducted to investigate the relationship between smartphone addiction, quality of life, and personality traits among university students. Using a nonprobability random sampling method, 496 university students were selected. Data collection involved the Student Information Form, Smartphone Addiction Scale, Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R), Revised Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Abridged Form (EPQR-A), and the WHO Quality of Life Scale-Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF). Statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS 25.0, utilizing Chi-square tests, independent sample t-tests, and Pearson's correlation analysis. Results: Out of 496 students (average age of 20.52), 59.87% were identified as smartphone addicts based on the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version. A notable difference was found by study year (P = 0.009) and socioeconomic status (P = 0.003). Participants with smartphone addiction registered higher SCL-90-r scores for conditions like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Interpersonal Sensitivity, and Psychoticism. The Eysenck Personality Inventory highlighted that the Psychoticism score was significantly higher in the group with smartphone addiction (P = 0.001). A negative correlation between smartphone addiction scores and general health (WHOQoL) was identified, whereas a positive correlation with SCL-90-R's Psychoticism dimension score was observed (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Smartphone addiction is widespread among university student population. The study indicates that smartphone addiction not only impacts the individual's quality of life but also is associated with personality disorders, and these problems intensify with the severity of addiction. The findings underscore the need for interventions and educational programs to address smartphone addiction in this population.