The smartphone as a "significant other": interpersonal dependency and attachment in maladaptive smartphone and social networks use

Abstract

Smartphones are increasingly widespread throughout the world and, although smartphones provide various benefits, excessive and maladaptive use is often reported. Given the penetration of smartphones in the individual's daily life, it is relevant to identify the mechanisms sustaining their use, including the affective bond that the owner may develop with the device. The aim of the current study is to test a novel model to explain smartphone and Social Network Sites (SNS) use from an interpersonal perspective. We hypothesized that adult attachment style and interpersonal patterns (i.e., features of interpersonal dependency) generalize to the emotional bond with the mobile device, interacting with psychological correlates and background factors to predict smartphone and SNS consumption. 341 nonclinical adults (57.2% females; age M = 35.5, SD = 14.6) completed a battery consisting of the Attachment Style Questionnaire, the Relationship Profile Test, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Young Adult Attachment to Phone Scale, and the Social Network Intensity and Social Network Access via Mobile phone Applications. A multi-mediation model supported the hypothesis regarding the influence of interpersonal style in the relationship of the individual with their smartphone and use of SNS. A parallel between attachment style and the emotional bond with the smartphone emerged, with anxious attachment style and destructive overdependence being potential risk factors for maladaptive smartphone use especially in individuals involved in a romantic relationship. Findings are discussed in terms of theoretical implications and intervention strategies towards smartphone dependency.

Keywords: Attachment style; Human-computer interaction; Interpersonal dependency; Smartphone use; Social networking.

Fig. 1

Hypothesized path model Legend. RPT-DO = Relationship Profile Test – Destructive Overdependence, RPT-DD = Relationship Profile Test – Dysfunctional Detachment, RPT-HD = Relationship Profile Test – Healthy Dependency; ASQ-ANX = Attachment Style Questionnaire – Anxious; ASQ-AVD = Attachment Style Questionnaire – Avoidant; YAPS-Refuge = Young Adult Attachment to Phone – Refuge, YAPS-Burden = Young Adult Attachment to Phone – Burden; SNI = Social Network Intensity, SNMA = Social Network Mobile Applications; TAS-Alexithymia = Toronto Alexithymia Scale total score; RSES-Self-esteem = Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale total score

Fig. 2

Summarized path model with all standardized beta obtained for the partially equivalent model Legend. RPT-DO = Relationship Profile Test – Destructive Overdependence, RPT-DD = Relationship Profile Test – Dysfunctional Detachment, RPT-HD = Relationship Profile Test – Healthy Dependency; ASQ-ANX = Attachment Style Questionnaire – Anxious; ASQ-AVD = Attachment Style Questionnaire – Avoidant; YAPS-Refuge = Young Adult Attachment to Phone – Refuge, YAPS-Burden = Young Adult Attachment to Phone – Burden; SNI = Social Network Intensity, SNMA = Social Network Mobile Applications; TAS-Alexithymia = Toronto Alexithymia Scale total score; RSES-Self-esteem = Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale total score