Body Attitude, Loneliness, Problematic Smartphone Use, and Smartphone Deprivation

Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is influenced by emotional factors, with this study finding that loneliness and negative body attitude contribute to PSU and smartphone deprivation feelings. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that body attitude mediates the relationship between loneliness and PSU, while age acts as a protective factor. The results suggest a vicious cycle where these factors reinforce each other, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and cross-cultural research to develop effective strategies for reducing PSU.