Relationship between Loneliness, Self-esteem and Mobile Phone Addiction in Young Adults

Description

Page: 201-206

Aleena Rose Benny, M. M. Jyothi, Anandhapadmanabhan L., and Jolly M. Louis (Department of Psychology, Santhigiri College of Computer Science, Vazhithala, Thodupuzha)

As mobile phones become an integral part of daily life, excessive usage often with psychological factors such as loneliness and self-esteem. This study explores the relationship between loneliness, self-esteem, and mobile phone addiction among young adults. Additionally, it examines the predictive influence of self-esteem and loneliness on mobile phone addiction. While previous research has addressed these factors individually, there is a lack of studies specifically addressing their interplay. A total of 315 young adults between the ages of 17 and 30 from Kerala were selected using purposive sampling. The Mobile Phone Addiction Scale, Loneliness Inventory, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were used to measure the study variables. The Results indicate that that Mobile phone addiction is negatively correlated with self-esteem and positively correlated with loneliness, and that Loneliness and self-esteem are significant predictors of mobile phone addiction. Gender differences were also observed, with males reporting higher mobile phone addiction, greater loneliness, and higher self-esteem compared to females. These findings highlight the psychological determinates of mobile phone addiction and underscore the importance of interventions aimed at enhancing self-esteem and reducing loneliness among young adults.