A mixed methods exploration of Problematic Mobile Phone Use in New Zealand adolescents

Abstract

Background Problematic mobile phone use (PMPU) has been defined as any pattern of mobile phone use resulting in subjective distress or impairment in important areas of functioning. Extant research on PMPU has predominantly adopted an addiction perspective in relation to PMPU, focussing on an adult interpretation of this behaviour. Further, limited research on PMPU is available, from a New Zealand (NZ) context. Therefore, this thesis aimed to explore PMPU within the New Zealand adolescent population, by including young people in the development of a PMPU measure. Methods A sequential, exploratory, mixed methods research design was employed. A qualitative study involved focus group with adolescents aged 13-19 (N=45), with the aim of exploring the relationship between mobile phone use and New Zealand young people. A Nominal Group Technique (NGT) study involved 10 NGT sessions with adolescents (N=108), as well as expert input, with the aim of constructing a youth-informed PMPU questionnaire. A quantitative study then used an online questionnaire with adolescents (N=664), with the aim of exploring the prevalence of PMPU behaviours and relevant negative consequences within a subset of the NZ adolescent community. Results The focus group participants reported awareness of PMPU within their community, and some participants had experienced negative consequences as a result of their mobile phone use. Participants believed adolescents engaged in PMPU as a result of needing to connect, or loneliness. The NGT process resulted in a 60 item PMPU questionnaire. The online survey identified PMPU-related constructs such as problematic cognitions, problematic behaviours and problematic emotions. The prevalence of PMPU-related constructs ranged between 4.2-50%. Negative consequences as a result of mobile phone use were experienced by over 50% of the survey sample. Scores on the PMPU questionnaire were predicted by female gender, lack of landline availability, and high intensity of mobile phone use. Negative consequences were predicted by each of the PMPU constructs, as well as high intensity of mobile phone use. Conclusions The research findings suggest that PMPU does affect a subset of New Zealand’s adolescent population, and some experience negative effects as a result of this. However, given the predominantly positive role mobile phone use plays in society, a harm reduction approach may be most appropriate avenue to addressing potential mobile phone use related risks.