The Smartphone Addiction Measure (SAM): Subscales, Validity, and Reliability

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Digital Health

Background:

• Smartphone dependence is increasing, particularly among young adults.
• This reliance may signify a behavioral addiction, a growing area of research.
• There is a need for validated tools to assess smartphone addiction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate the Smartphone Addiction Measure (SAM).
• To assess the psychometric properties of the SAM for measuring addictive behaviors related to smartphone use.

Main Methods:

• The Smartphone Addiction Measure (SAM) was developed.
• Principle components analysis was used with an initial sample (N=113) and an additional sample (N=286).
• Validity and reliability were assessed using a final sample (N=221).

Main Results:

• Principle components analysis identified four addiction-associated factors: salience, mood modification, withdrawal, and conflict.
• The SAM demonstrated good validity and reliability.
• The measure is psychometrically sound for assessing smartphone addiction.

Conclusions:

• The Smartphone Addiction Measure (SAM) is a valid and reliable tool.
• The SAM can be used to assess addictive behaviors related to smartphone use.
• The study supports the SAM as a psychometrically sound assessment for smartphone addiction.