Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the mediating role of the fear of missing out (FoMO) and of smartphone use patterns (SUP) on self-control and problematic smartphone use (PSU) among Italian university students. This study involved 405 students (mean age 22.11 years). The data were collected by using a paper-pencil method. The hypotheses of the study were tested by using the Person correlation analysis and a structural equation model (SEM). The results of the study showed that females exhibited higher scores in PSU, self-control, and socializing patterns in smartphone use, whereas males scored higher in information-seeking and entertainment. No significant differences emerged between gender and FoMO. We found a partial mediation only by FoMO on the relationship between self-control and PSU and none by SUP. A significant indirect effect, however, emerged when SUP was related to FoMO. The current findings not only confirm the previous results but also provide new evidence regarding the association between self-control and PSU.
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Servidio, R. Self-control and problematic smartphone use among Italian University students: The mediating role of the fear of missing out and of smartphone use patterns. Curr Psychol 40, 4101–4111 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-019-00373-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-019-00373-z