Exploring the Impact of Nomophobia on Psychological Well-Being Among Pakistani Youth: The Mediating Role of Personality Traits

Abstract

This study looks at the impact of nomophobia on the psychological well-being of Pakistani youth with personality traits as a mediator. The investigation was quantitative and cross-sectional; data were collected from 361 university students through an online survey. The study findings indicate that there is an intense psychological health deficiency with the prevalence of nomophobia, where anxiety and stress were found to be prevalent. Additionally, personality traits, particularly the ones included in the Dark Triad, were found to mediate this relationship; hence, individuals with such personality traits suffer more psychological distress related to smartphone addiction. The findings stress the need to develop culturally appropriate strategies to prevent nomophobia and psychological stress in young Pakistanis while encouraging adaptive smartphone use and better mental wellness. This research makes a theoretical contribution toward identifying how personality characteristics shape the impacts of nomophobia in an increasingly technologically advanced world.