Presenting a Structural Model of Nomophobia Based on Loneliness Mediated by Psychological Distress among Students
Keywords:
Loneliness, Nomophobia, Psychological distress, Students, Structural modelAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to explain a structural model of nomophobia based on loneliness mediated by psychological distress among university students.
Methodology: The research was descriptive-correlational using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. The statistical population included all students of the Faculty of Islamic Education, Department of Psychology and Counseling, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, during the second semester of the 2024–2025 academic year. Based on Klein’s theoretical framework, 250 students were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using Yildirim and Correa’s (2015) Nomophobia Questionnaire, Russell’s (1996) Loneliness Scale, and Kessler et al.’s (2002) Psychological Distress Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22 and AMOS 23. Model fit was assessed using indices such as χ²/df, GFI, AGFI, CFI, NFI, and RMSEA.
Findings: Results indicated that loneliness had a significant positive effect on psychological distress (β = 0.59, p ≤ 0.001) and that psychological distress significantly predicted nomophobia (β = 0.65, p ≤ 0.001). Loneliness also directly predicted nomophobia (β = 0.47, p ≤ 0.001). Bootstrap analysis confirmed a significant indirect effect of loneliness on nomophobia via psychological distress (β = 0.38, p ≤ 0.001). Model fit indices (χ²/df = 2.258, GFI = 0.99, CFI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.071) indicated good model adequacy.
Conclusion: Loneliness directly and indirectly through psychological distress contributes to higher levels of nomophobia among students. These findings highlight the importance of preventive and therapeutic interventions focused on reducing loneliness and psychological distress to mitigate nomophobia and promote mental well-being in academic environments.
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Copyright (c) 2025 معین غنیزاده خواجه پاشا, محمدرضا بلیاد, محسن منصوبیفر, معصومه ژیان باقری, جاوید پیمانی (Author)
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