Nomophobia, Attachment Styles, and Loneliness: A Study Among Adults in Cyprus

Abstract

The rapid increase in global smartphone usage and the range of capabilities they offer have resulted in an overdependence on them, leading to the term nomophobia. Nomophobia refers to the psychological discomfort or anxiety experienced when an individual is unable to use or does not have access to their mobile phone, and it is a phenomenon that warrants research attention due to its psychological and social implications. The aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between nomophobia and the time spent on mobile usage, attachment in close romantic relationships, and loneliness. Participants included 300 adults from Cyprus who were recruited through convenience and snowball sampling methods. Data were gathered using an internet-based questionnaire that assessed participants’ time spent on mobile usage, their attachment styles in close relationships, and their level and type of loneliness. The results suggest that (a) anxiety dimension and time spent on mobile phone are significant predictors of nomophobia, (b) higher levels of nomophobia are associated with an insecure attachment style, (c) more severe levels of nomophobia are associated with higher levels of loneliness, and (d) increased time spent on mobile usage is linked to higher levels of nomophobia. The findings suggest that the widespread emergence of nomophobia raises important concerns, highlighting the need for the development of educational programs that promote balanced mobile usage and encourage direct social interaction. The significance of targeted interventions that address mobile phone regulation and attachment-related vulnerabilities is emphasized.