The Effect of Mobile Phone Attachment and Extended Self on Nomophobia: The Mediating Role of Materialism

Abstract

This study aims to reveal the effect of mobile phone attachment (MPA), extended self, and materialism on nomophobia; investigate the mediating role of materialism on the relationship between smartphone extension and nomophobia, and the relationship between MPA and nomophobia; and adapt the Extended Self Scale to Turkish culture. Data were collected from 289 university students. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and reliability analyses have confirmed that the Turkish form is a reliable and valid measurement tool. Multiple regression analysis showed that MPA, smartphone extension, materialism predicted nomophobia. Materialism partially mediated the relationship between MPA and nomophobia, and the relationship between smartphone extension and nomophobia. This study suggests that materialistic students form an emotional attachment to the smartphone, and accept it as part of their selves. They use it to enhance their self-perceptions and cope with emotional/daily problems. Such use may cause the fear of being without a smartphone, which is nomophobia. © 2024 The Authors.