Mediating Role of Phubbing in the Relationship between Fearful Attachment and Psychological Distress among Young Adults

Abstract

Phubbing has become increasingly prevalent among young adults and has been linked with negative psychological outcomes. Current study investigated the mediating impact of phubbing behavior in the relationship between fearful attachment and psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) among young adults. Data was collected from 400 participants using Generic Scale of Phubbing (Chotpitayasunondh & Douglas, 2018), Attachment Styles Questionnaire (Van Oudenhoven et al., 2003), and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale – 21 items (Lovibond, 1995). Results showed that fearful attachment was significantly and positively correlated with phubbing, and both variables were positively correlated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Mediation analysis revealed that phubbing fully mediated the relationship between fearful attachment and depression, as well as between fearful attachment and anxiety, while partially mediating its relationship with stress. The findings emphasize the need of addressing problematic phone use in people with insecure attachment patterns as part of an effort to enhance mental health outcomes.