Impulsivity and problematic smartphone use: mediating role of self-handicapping

Despite the convenience afforded to many areas of daily life by technological developments, dysfunctional use of technology may cause severe psychosocial problems in individuals. In this context, concerns about excessive use of smartphones, especially among young people, are increasing around the world. Although pathological use of smartphones was found to be associated with impulsivity, a risk factor for many behavioural addictions, the knowledge about the mechanisms underlying this association is very limited. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of self-handicapping in the association between impulsivity and problematic smartphone use. A total of 583 university students (F = 59.2%, M =, 40.8%; M= 21.70 ± 3.12) completed the Short Form of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11-SF), the Self-Handicapping Scale (SHS) and Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Form (SAS-SF). The structural equation model results showed that impulsivity had a direct effect on the problematic use of smartphones. Additionally, self-handicapping partially mediated the effect of impulsivity on problematic smartphone use. These findings may provide evidence for theoretical inferences and contribute to the development of interventions to reduce and prevent problematic smartphone use.