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Understanding smartphone usage behaviours: developing and validating the brief problematic smartphone use and dependence scale

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  • Saqib Nawaz
  • Jahar Bhowmik
  • Tanya Linden
  • Matthew Mitchell

Abstract

This study involved developing and validating a brief problematic smartphone use and dependence (BPSUD) scale in a diverse adult Australian population to gain insights into causes and build a foundation for the prevention of PSUD. A sample of 1018 participants responded to a cross-sectional online survey. The study identified a uni-dimensional factor structure for the 4-item self-reported BPSUD scale, explaining 53.50% of the total variance, with good internal reliability. Socio-demographic characteristics significantly influenced PSUD scores, with females, individuals in relationships (married/de-facto), non-parents, retired/unemployed individuals, and those who used smartphones for over 6 h daily exhibiting higher PSUD levels than their counterparts. These results support the utility of the BPSUD scale as a valid and reliable brief tool for a quick and easy evaluation of PSUD. Additional studies incorporating more socio-demographic factors and measurement items are essential to draw valid conclusions regarding the developed BPSUD and its relationship with risk factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Saqib Nawaz & Jahar Bhowmik & Tanya Linden & Matthew Mitchell, 2026. "Understanding smartphone usage behaviours: developing and validating the brief problematic smartphone use and dependence scale," Behaviour and Information Technology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 45(3), pages 478-497, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:tbitxx:v:45:y:2026:i:3:p:478-497
    DOI: 10.1080/0144929X.2025.2522203
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/0144929X.2025.2522203
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