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Problematic Smartphone Use Influences the Relationship Between Experiential Avoidance and Anxiety.
Julia Y Gorday1, Joseph R Bardeen1
1Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA.
Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking
|October 15, 2021
Summary
Experiential avoidance (EA) worsens anxiety, especially when combined with problematic smartphone use (PSU). PSU may amplify the negative effects of EA on anxiety, suggesting a need for integrated interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Experiential avoidance (EA) is linked to anxiety development and maintenance.
- Maladaptive coping strategies, like avoidance behaviors, exacerbate distress.
- Problematic smartphone use (PSU) may function as a modern safety behavior for emotional discomfort.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate problematic smartphone use (PSU) as a moderator in the relationship between experiential avoidance (EA) and anxiety.
- To understand how PSU influences the impact of EA on anxiety symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Adult participants (N=294) were recruited via Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk).
- An online survey collected self-reported measures of EA, PSU, and anxiety.
- Statistical analyses examined the moderating role of PSU on the EA-anxiety link.
Main Results:
- The association between experiential avoidance (EA) and anxiety significantly strengthened as problematic smartphone use (PSU) increased.
- PSU was found to exacerbate the detrimental effect of EA on anxiety levels.
Conclusions:
- Problematic smartphone use (PSU) may worsen the impact of experiential avoidance (EA) on anxiety.
- Findings suggest developing risk profiles combining EA and PSU for early identification and intervention.
- This research is a foundational step toward tailored interventions for anxiety.
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