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Smartphone addiction may help identify depression
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The study's authors define addiction as a constant desire to use the object and discomfort in the event that it is not available. (Shutterstock/Denys Prykhodov)
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merican researchers have attempted to determine if being addicted to one's smartphone can lead to depression or if people who are subject to depressive symptoms are more vulnerable to this type of addiction.
In recent years, studies showing a link between smartphone addiction and depression, especially in adolescents, are legion. But is it our tendency to stare into our phones that contributes to depression or the reverse? Does the connection occur in both directions? Researchers at the University of Arizona have been investigating these questions.
The study's authors define addiction as a constant desire to use the object and discomfort in the event that it is not available. "There's an issue where people are entirely too reliant on the device, in terms of feeling anxious if they don't have it accessible, and they're using it to the detriment of their day-to-day life," said Matthew Lapierre, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and principal author of the study.
Dr. Lapierre and his team twice surveyed 346 young people over a period of three months. Published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, the study focused on participants aged from 17 to 20. The researchers asked participants to indicate their feelings of dependency on a scale of one to four by responding to a series of statements such as "I panic when I cannot use my smartphone."
Participants also responded to questions intended to gauge their feelings of loneliness, depressive symptoms and frequency of telephone use.
Read also: 5 apps for better mental health
Identifying the causes of addiction to limit smartphone time
In analyzing the volunteers' responses, the researchers found that a strong dependence on smartphones was linked to an increased risk of feelings of loneliness and developing depressive symptoms. Their research thus confirmed what has previously been shown by numerous studies: intensive smartphone use can be isolating and lead to anxiety.
In light of these results, the study's authors conclude that it could be useful for those concerned to evaluate their relationship with their devices and impose limits if necessary, especially for those who turn to their phones to relieve stress. "When people feel stressed, they should use other healthy approaches to cope, like talking to a close friend to get support or doing some exercises or meditation," suggested Pengfei Zhao, a co-author of the study.
