El fenómeno del phubbing en estudiantes adolescentes

In the current context of digital transformation, mobile devices have become a natural part of people’s daily lives, and focusing attention on the mobile phone and ignoring those around us has become common behavior. Known as phubbing, this phenomenon is particularly concerning among adolescents, as it poses significant risks to their emotional, social, and educational well-being. Despite its importance, gaps remain in the understanding of this phenomenon, particularly regarding its measurement and its relationship with key psychological and educational variables. The objective of this doctoral thesis was to analyse the prevalence of phubbing among adolescent and young adult students in Spain and its relationship with various indicators of emotional well-being, as well as, provide psychometric evidence for an instrument designed to measure this behavior. In line with this aim, the studies presented first examined the prevalence of phubbing among adolescent students, both university and non-university, in the Spanish context, as well as, its relationship with different variables related to emotional well-being and psychological difficulties. Additionally, the potential influence of gender and educational level on the expression of phubbing behaviours was explored. Secondly, validity evidence was obtained for the Phubbing Scale (PS) in adolescent populations, as previous studies in the Spanish context had not taken this demographic into account. Thirdly, the psychometric properties of the scale were analysed, and its short version was validated. Although an eight-item scale had been validated in other contexts, for the first time, this study confirmed the validity of the Brief Phubbing Scale (PS-6), consisting of six items. A cross-sectional design was employed, with a sample of 1,351 adolescent and young adult students aged between 12 and 21 years. Various instruments were administered to assess indicators of emotional well-being, self-regulation, and self-esteem, in addition to phubbing behaviours. Data were analysed using multivariate and confirmatory factor analysis techniques to ensure the validity and reliability of the instruments used. The theoretical and methodological framework of this doctoral thesis integrates pedagogical and psychological perspectives to provide a comprehensive understanding of phubbing and its effects on students' personal development. In this regard, the findings of this thesis not only contribute to scientific knowledge in the fields of Behavioural and Educational Sciences—highlighting the need to implement educational and social strategies that promote mindful mobile device use, facilitate digital self-regulation, and prevent harmful behaviours associated with phubbing—but also offer valuable insights for the design of public policies aimed at fostering the emotional well-being of adolescents, and their positive contribution to an increasingly digital and complex world. In short, this doctoral thesis provides relevant information on the prevalence of phubbing among Spanish adolescent and young adult students, as well as, a short scale with appropriate psychometric properties that facilitates the measurement of this phenomenon and advances its understanding. It leads us to reconsider the role of technology in education, promoting a balance between its benefits and risks, and ensuring that its use contributes to the positive development of future generations.

Grantor dc:publisher

Universidad de La Rioja (España)

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Barbed Castrejón, Noelia

Contributors dc:contributor

• Navaridas Nalda, Fermín (Universidad de La Rioja)
• Ortuño Sierra, Javier (Universidad de La Rioja)

Statement dc:rights

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Language dc:language

spa

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/oaites?codigo=373690

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dialnet.unirioja.es:TES0000023176