Metacognitions about problematic Smartphone use: Development of a self-report measure

Recent research has suggested that metacognitions may play a role across the spectrum of addictive behaviours, including problematic use of technological devices. Metacognitions associated with problematic Smartphone use (PSU) have been scarcely investigated and measures to assess these beliefs are not yet available. The goal of the present study was: (i) to develop the first self-report scale of metacognitions about Smartphone use; and (ii) to investigate its predictive validity with respect to PSU.

Twenty-four items concerning positive and negative metacognitions about PSU were framed and administered to a community sample of 701 Smartphone users (F = 66.2%; mean age: 28.08 ± 9.81; age range: 15-70). An exploratory factor analysis was first performed in a randomly allocated subsample of 350 participants. A confirmative factor analysis was then computed on a second subsample of 351 participants to test the fit of the factor structure identified.

Findings revealed a 3-factor solution consisting of positive metacognitions concerning emotional and cognitive regulation, positive metacognitions concerning social advantages, and negative metacognitions about uncontrollability and cognitive harm of Smartphone use. Regression analysis showed that all the Metacognitions about Smartphone Use Questionnaire (MSUQ) factors were significantly associated to PSU independently of anxiety and depressive symptoms.

The MSUQ might be a promising self-report measure and further support research into the role of metacognition in technological addictions.