In April 2018 researchers from Serbia and Italy published the results of their study to assess the relationship between mobile phone use and mental health in 785 Serbian students. Levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed, and information regarding the manner and intensity of mobile phone use collected via questionnaire. Results showed that anxiety symptoms were mainly present in younger students, in those who sent more text messages, and in those who browsed the internet less frequently. Stress appeared to be more common in students who made only a few calls a day, as well as in those who spent more time talking on the mobile phone per day, ie at both ends of the spectrum. The strongest predictor of high stress levels was keeping the mobile phone less than 1 m away during sleeping. The researchers concluded that the intensity of use, plus how the mobile phone is used, may be factors that influence the cause of mental health problems in the university student population.
Višnjić A et al. Relationship between the Manner of Mobile Phone Use and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in University Students. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Apr 8;15(4). pii: E697