PROBLEMATIC SMARTPHONE USE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS OF SAMASTIPUR

Abstract

The fast growth of smartphones has significantly transformed the lifestyle of young people, particularly college students. Smartphones indeed provide academic, social, and informational benefits, but their excessive use has raised concerns regarding psychological well-being. The present study intended to examine the relationship between problematic smartphone use and psychological well-being among undergraduate students in Samastipur town. A total of 148 students from different academic disciplines participated in the study. Problematic smartphone use was measured using the Kwon et al. (2013) Smartphone Addiction Scale (Short Version), and psychological well-being was measured using Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale (Ryff and Keyes, 1995). Pearson’s product–moment correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlations between problematic smartphone use and overall psychological well-being. Significant negative associations were also observed with autonomy, personal growth, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and self-acceptance, whereas the association with positive relations was negative but not statistically significant. The findings show that higher levels of problematic smartphone use are linked with lower psychological functioning among college students. This study highlights the urgent of balanced digital usage and self-regulation strategies. Social and institutional interventions may be initiated to promote psychological well-being and raise awareness to limit screen time and smartphone dependency among youth.