A new study of nomophobia statistics has found that this “fear of not having a phone” is the overwhelming norm among college students today.
The study suggests that 89% of college students now have either moderate or severe nomophobia. In 2012, it was just 77%.
The official definition of nomophobia is the fear of being out of touch with your cell phone or not on your phone.
Anxiety and over-concern about a lack of control over one’s life may be the root cause of this phobia.
These new nomophobia statistics appeared recently in an online supplement to Sleep magazine.
Nomophobia and sleep problems
Nomophobia was significantly associated with more daytime sleepiness and more behaviors related to poor sleep quality.
“This is what we found in college -Students who suffered more from nomophobia were also more likely to suffer from drowsiness and poorer sleep hygiene, such as long naps and inconsistent sleeping and waking times,” said lead author Jennifer Peszka.
The study involved 327 universities with students an average age of 20 years.
Participants completed several questionnaires. One of these, the nomophobia questionnaire, asks respondents to what extent they agree or disagree with a series of statements.
Examples are “I would feel uncomfortable without constant access to information on my smartphone” or “If I run out of credit or reach my monthly data limit, I will panic.”
Other questionnaires also included the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Sleep Hygiene Index.
Nomophobia statistics show a wide range of symptoms.
Nomophobia, like all phobias, is one based on irrational fears. Typical nomophobia symptoms are similar to those of panic disorder, such as a feeling of unreality, lack of concentration, and fear of abandonment.
In addition, it can have physical symptoms similar to certain types of chronic anxiety, such as palpitations and tight or shallow breathing, or even some aspects of borderline personality disorder.
These symptoms can include overwhelming Feeling anxious when not using your phone, especially when you are away from home.
Other symptoms are the constant expectation of an incoming message and feelings of panic when a message does not arrive.
Nomophobia sufferers can also feel guilty about leaving your phone unattended.
Other reported symptoms included forgetfulness, poor concentration, constant checking of your smartphone’s location, and constant checking of social media accounts.
Treating Nomophobia
The Various Approaches to treating phobias are an increasingly popular topic in psychology.
A phobia is an excessive and unreasonable fear of an object or situation that causes a person to encounter avoidance.
Phobias can cause various physical reactions, such as: B. a faster heart rate, excessive sweating, rapid breathing and high blood pressure, muscle tension and nausea.
Phobias can influence people to avoid certain social situations.
Treatment for phobias usually involves either psychological intervention or medication.
Psychological therapies include behavioral therapy, cognitive modification and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Behavioral therapy may include systematic desensitization.
There, patients are gradually and carefully exposed to the object/situation that triggers phobic reactions.
Other therapies include rational-emotional behavioral therapy using techniques of logic and confrontation; and cognitive therapy, which includes the process of identifying and changing harmful thinking, as well as methods for changing maladaptive behavior.
CBT as the most promising nomophobia treatment
Researchers are still looking for the best Treatment for nomophobia. But most agree that the main goal should be to develop better self-control skills.
Cognitive behavioral interventions (CBT) have been shown to be effective.
With CBT, patients learn to recognize that their (negative) thoughts lead to their nomophobia.
By recognizing this and learning to manage it, patients can learn to avoid situations that are likely to lead to nomophobia.
CBT typically lasts at least 10 to 12 weeks. It usually starts with showing patients that they can do without their phones.
As the therapy progresses, the focus shifts to the cognitive processes underlying their nomophobia.
These include the fear of isolation or the fear of not being able to connect with others.
They should answer questions, for example about what their social media activities really bring them or where they think their fear of missing something on their phone comes from.
Beyond Nomophobia Stats: Focus on Positive Feelings
Similarly, they could be coached to reflect on moments when they felt rewarded, loved, connected, etc.
Ideally, such thoughts help those suffering from nomophobia to form healthier and more authentic relationships in real life.
CBT also helps people deal with obsessive thoughts, such as obsessive thoughts. B. counting every person who walks by your house or worrying that someone hasn’t called you.
Patients are generally advised to be very strict with their phones.
Exercises include trying not to use the phone for a long time and setting strict limits.
Sufferers may also try to limit the number of people who can call or text them.
At home, patients can spend a certain amount of time each day exclusively with family and friends in the “real world”.
It’s also a good idea to have and follow a personal electronic device policy, the researchers say.
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Study: “Sleep, Drowsiness, and Sleep Hygiene Associated with Nomophobia (Nr Mobile Phone Phobia)”Authors:J. Peszka, S Michelle, BT Collins, N Abu-Halimeh, M Quattom, M Henderson, M Sanders, J Critton, B Moore, and DF MastinPublished in: SleepRelease date: 27. May 2020DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsaa056.178Photo: by Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels
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