International Journal of Behavioral Sciences

International Journal of Behavioral Sciences

The Moderating Effect of Psychological Distress in the Relationship between Loneliness and Shyness with Smartphone Addiction in Students

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Khadijeh Fooladvand 1
Maryam Zahiry 2
Mohammad Souri 2
1 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran
2 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University Kermanshah Branch, Kermanshah, Iran
10.30491/ijbs.2025.517542.2218
Abstract
Introduction: Research evidence shows that smartphone addiction leads to a series of issues which necessitates the investigation of possible factors affecting it. The present study aimed to investigate the moderating role of psychological distress in the relationship between loneliness and shyness with smartphone addiction in students.
Method: This study was a descriptive correlational study. The statistical population included all students of Lorestan University in the second semester of 2023-2024, from which 400 students were selected through cluster sampling method. Data collection instruments included the Cell-phone Over-use Scale (COS), UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3), The Revised Cheek and Buss Shyness Scale (RCBS), and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Pearson correlation and hierarchical regression statistical methods were conducted using SPSS software (version 24).
Results: The results showed that there were significant positive relationships between psychological distress and smartphone addiction (P< 0.01, r= 0.49), loneliness and smartphone addiction (P < 0.01, r= 0.31), and shyness and smartphone addiction (P< 0.01, r= 0.34). Moreover, the results of the hierarchical regression analysis confirmed the moderating role of psychological distress in the relationship between loneliness and smartphone addiction (P < 0.01, β =0.20) and shyness and smartphone addiction (P< 0.01, β= 0.16).
Conclusion: Considering these factors for formulating effective preventive and therapeutic programs for students’ smartphone addiction will increase the effectiveness of these programs.
Keywords
Psychological Distress
Loneliness
Shyness
Smartphone Addiction
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International Journal of Behavioral Sciences
Volume 19, Issue 2
Summer 2025
Pages 84-89