WHEN PHONES HURT: EXAMINING THE LINK BETWEEN NOMOPHOBIA AND SOMATIC COMPLAINTS IN YOUNG ADULTS

This study aims to investigate the role of nomophobia, or ‘the fear of being without a mobile phone' in predicting the somatic complaints of young adults. The sample consisted of 219 young adult participants. The research design used was correlational, where the nomophobia and its dimensions were measured and correlated with the participants' somatic complaints. The findings showed that nomophobia was a good predictor of somatic complaints in young people, with a greater degree of nomophobia related to poorer somatic health. Specifically, individuals who reported higher levels of nomophobia also reported more physical consequences such as headaches, back pain, fatigue, and a higher prevalence of sleep disturbances. However, further investigation is needed to identify the possible differences in nomophobia and its impact on somatic health across age groups and cultures. This study highlights the importance of addressing nomophobia in young adults, as it may have significant implications for their somatic health. Healthcare professionals and parents may consider incorporating interventions aimed at reducing nomophobia in young adults to improve their overall health and well-being.