Smartphone Usage, Effects On Mental Health

Running Head: SMARTPHONE: EFFECTS ON MENTAL HEALTH 1
Smartphone Usage: Effects on Mental Health of
First-Year Psychology Students from University of Nueva Caceres
Sheryl T. Pron
April Nicole Q. Reyes
Lucky Olivian Khay Rivera
Maricon R. Silo
Rhojolyn G. Talagtag
University of Nueva Caceres

SMARTPHONE: EFFECTS ON MENTAL HEALTH 2
Smartphone Usage: Effects on Mental Health of
First-Year Psychology Students from University of Nueva Caceres
Nowadays, smartphone is evidently one of the advanced device that everyone use every day.
It is the most popular medium especially for college students as they use it in communication,
entertainment and other functional purposes. However, what about the downside of using it, such
as the negative mental health effects of prolong smartphone exposure? According to (Crowley, et
al., 2006), heavy users of this medium might face difficulty on doing their daily activities, late bed
time, poor fragmented sleep. It can also seriously affect their mental health, learning capacity and
quality of life of an individual.
Ownership of smartphones has rapidly increased as fast as how technology dominated the
world. (Schweizer, et al., 2017) conducted a study to evaluate whether acquiring a smartphone had
an effect on adolescents’ sleeping duration. The results emphasized that owning a smartphone
tends to cause sleep disturbance.
Moreover, there are several lines of evidences demonstrating the relationship between
smartphone usage and its negative effects on individual’s mental health. It was found that sleep
quality was significantly associated with degree of smartphone dependence (Wang et al., 2019).
Another study was conducted (Demirci et al., 2015) which determine the relationship of
smartphone overuse, to severity of sleep quality, depression, and anxiety in university students.
The findings revealed that depression, anxiety, and daytime dysfunction scores were higher in the
high smartphone user group than in the low smartphone user group. Also, (Thomee et al., 2011)
conducted a study to establish the relationship between mobile phone use and stress, sleep
disturbances and depression in young adults. It was found that mobile phone over use was
associated with stress, sleep disturbances and high accessibility stress and symptom of depression
for both men and women. It was concluded that high frequency of mobile phone use was a risk
factor for developing mental health problems in young adults.
In the study of (Durusoy et al., 2017) dose-response relationships were observed particularly
for the daily number of calls, total duration of calls, total number of text messages, position and
status of mobile phone at night and making calls while charging as exposures and headache,
concentration difficulties, fatigue and sleep disturbances as general symptoms and warming of the
ear and flushing as local symptoms. The results indicate an association between mobile phone use
and headache, concentration difficulties, fatigue, sleep disturbances and as well as warming of the
ear.
A study by (Fawareh & Jusoh, 2017) was conducted to investigate the use and effects of
smartphones on academic staffs at a university level. It was observed that the academic staffs had
utilized smartphone as a means for knowledge sharing. They greatly use Email and Social media
applications in teaching and learning. But despite the benefits of smartphone use, academic staffs
had also encountered negative effects like having diverted focus at work, check habits, and an
artificial relationship. They are also negatively affected by the feelings of incompleteness without
their smartphones. Another study had figured out the connections between information and
communication technology use and mental symptoms among young adults (Thomée et al., 2010).
The results showed that high frequency of ICT use may result to consequences including mental
overload, neglect of other activities and personal needs, time pressure, role conflicts, guilt feelings,
social isolation, physical symptoms, worry about electromagnetic radiation, and economic
problems. In addition, vulnerability, misunderstandings, altered values, and feelings of inadequacy
were also reported in the results of the study.

As stated in (WHO 2001a, p.1) “mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual
realizes own potential, can cope with the stressors of life, can work productively or fruitfully and
capable of contributing to an effective communication”. Exposure to smartphone can have adverse
consequences on mental health status of an individual and excessive use of this medium inhibits
our normal mental functioning. In this case, the present study examines the relationship between
hours of smartphone usage, the severity of its negative effects on mental health and the level of
self-esteem of 71 respondents, who were first-year psychology students from University of Nueva
Caceres.
Statement of the Problem
This study entitled Smartphone Usage: Effects on Mental Health of First-Year Psychology
Students aims to examine the effect of excessive use of smartphone on mental health and answer
the following questions:
1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:
a. Age
b. Gender
c. Civil Status
2. How and when they acquired their smartphones?
3. How many hours do they spend each day using their smart phones?
4. Is using smartphone helpful in relieving their stress?
5. Can they live a day without their smartphone?
6. How often they use smartphone for the following activities?
a. Communication
b. Entertainment
c. Functional
7. Is there a significant difference between gender and scores in the different mental health
assessments?
8. Is there a significant difference between gender and scores in level of self-esteem?
9. Are there significant differences between hours of smartphone usage and scores in the
different mental health assessments?
10. Are there significant differences between hours of smartphone usage and level of self-
esteem?
11. Is there a significant relationship between hours of smartphone usage and scores in the
different mental health assessments?
12. Is there a significant relationship between hours of smartphone usage and level of self-
esteem?
Hypothesis
1. There is a significant difference between gender and scores in:
a. Insomnia
b. Irritability
c. Anger
d. Inadequacy
e. Anxiety
f. Stress
g. Depression
2. There is a significant difference between gender and level of self-esteem.
3. There are significant differences between hours of smartphone usage and scores in:
a. Insomnia
b. Irritability
c. Anger
d. Inadequacy
e. Anxiety
f. Stress
g. Depression
4. There are significant differences between hours of smartphone usage and level of self-
esteem.
5. There is a significant relationship between hours of smartphone usage and scores in:
a. Insomnia
b. Irritability
c. Anger
d. Inadequacy
e. Anxiety
f. Stress
g. Depression
6. There is a significant relationship between hours of smartphone usage and level of self-
esteem.
Definition of Terms
The key terms in this study are given the following definitions:
Smartphone
A cell phone that includes additional software functions (such as e-mail or an Internet
browser).
Mental Health
This refers to the condition of being sound mentally and emotionally that is characterized
by the absence of mental illness and by adequate adjustment especially as reflected in feeling
comfortable about oneself, positive feelings about others, and the ability to meet the demands
of daily life.
Insomnia
Means prolonged and usually abnormal inability to get enough sleep.
Irritability
It is the quality or state of being irritable, such as quick excitability to annoyance,
impatience, or anger.
Anger
It is a strong feeling of displeasure and usually of antagonism.
Inadequacy
It is the quality or state of being not enough or good enough.

Anxiety
This refers to an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked
by physical signs (such as tension, sweating, and increased pulse rate), by doubt concerning the
reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one's capacity to cope with it.
Stress
It is a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and
may be a factor in disease causation.
Depression
It is a mood disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and
concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings
of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies.
Self-Esteem
It is the confidence and satisfaction in oneself.

Methodology
This chapter shows how the researchers conducted this study. It presents the design of the
study, the variables measured, the population and sample of the respondents, the instruments used,
the procedure of data gathering as well as the statistical tools used to analyze the data gathered.
Research Design
This study entitled “Smartphone Usage: Effects on Mental Health of First-Year Psychology
Students from University of Nueva Caceres” is a quantitative descriptive-survey study where data
were gathered through online survey questionnaires and the results presented were simply
described. In this study, the variables measured were the hours of smartphone usage, and the effects
of smartphone usage on mental health which was scaled using questionnaires that will assess the
level of their insomnia, irritability, anger, inadequacy, anxiety, stress, depression and self-esteem.
Population and Sample
Since the researchers conducted this study in the middle of the pandemic situation, the
respondents of this study were first-year psychology students of University of Nueva Caceres
(UNC) who were members of Sikolohista 2020-2021 Facebook Group Chat with a total population
of 86. The researchers obtained a total sample of 71 respondents with the use of Slovin’s formula
from the said total population.

The computation for the Slovin’s formula is written below;
N
n=
1 + Ne2
86
n=
1 + 86(0.05)²
86
n=
1 + 86(0.0025)
86
n=
1 + 0.215
86
n=
1.215
n = 70.78 or 71
The researchers used stratified random sampling to have a proportioned number of
respondents. The data were presented in table 1.
Table 1
Population and Sample of the Respondents
No. of Computed No. of

Age % Share
Population Sample Sample
17 y/o 5 0.058 4.11 4

(5.8%)
18 y/o 29 0.337 23.92 24

(33.7%)
19 y/o 30 0.348 24.70 25

(34.8%)
20 y/o 12 0.139 9.86 10

(13.9%)
21 y/o 6 0.069 4.89 5

(6.9%)
22 y/o 3 0.034 2.41 2

(3.4%)
29 y/o 1 0.011 0.78 1

(1.1%)
TOTAL 86 71
Table 1 shows that the respondents of this study came from 4 out of 5 students who were 17
years of age, 24 out of 29 students who were 18 years of age, 25 out of 30 students who were 19
years of age, 10 out of 12 students who were 20 years of age, 5 out of 6 students who were 21
years of age, 2 out of 3 students who were 22 years of age and lastly 1 student who was 29 years
of age. Overall, 71 became the actual respondents out of a total population of 86 Sikolohista 2020-
2021 Facebook Group Chat members.
Instrument of the Study
The researchers used online survey questionnaires through Google Forms as instrument to
gather data needed in the completion of the said study. The questionnaire was composed of four
sections. The first section is a general information questionnaire about the demographics of the
respondents. The second section was about the frequency of daily smart phone activities. The third
section was about the effects of smartphone usage on mental health which was scaled by answering
questions that will assess the severity of their insomnia, irritability, anger, inadequacy, anxiety,
stress, depression. The Insomnia Scale is composed of seven questions, Irritability Scale is
composed of six questions, Anger Scale is composed of six questions, Inadequacy Scale is
composed of six questions, Anxiety Scale is composed of seven questions, Stress Scale is
composed of ten questions and Depression Scale is composed of ten questions. It is answerable by
scaling: 5 which corresponds as very severe, 4 as severe, 3 as moderate, 2 as mild and 1 as none.
This fourth section of the survey questionnaire measures the level of self-esteem. It is consist of
10 questions and answerable by scaling: 4 as strongly agree, 3 as agree, 2 as disagree and 1 as
strongly disagree. As per instruction of the researchers, the respondents answered the questions
based on their self-observed behaviors and feelings.

In addition, in order to test the validity and reliability of the said questionnaire, the
researchers requested help from their adviser to validate the survey questionnaires of this study.
As per instruction of their adviser the researchers made some revisions, then after they started
conducting the survey on their selected online platform.
Data Gathering Procedure
To gather the data necessary in this study, the survey questionnaires was encoded on Google
Forms, the researchers started gathering data by posting the survey link on the Sikolohista 2020-
2021 Facebook Group Chat of psychology students. A request to respond was attached together
with the survey link. The data gathering lasted for 3 days and a total of 71 responses was recorded.
Statistical Tool
In order to describe and analyze the data gathered, the following statistical tools were
used by the researchers in this study:
Frequency and Percentage. It was utilized to show the number of respondents by their
demographic information, daily smartphone activities, hours of smartphone usage, and
establish how and when they acquired their smartphone. Additionally, it was also used to
observe if smartphone usage is helpful in relieving their stress and if they can live even
without it.
Weighted Arithmetic Mean. The researchers used it in order to determine the level of
mental health effects due to smartphone usage by using the scale: 1-none (1.00-1.80), 2-mild
(1.81-2.60), 3-moderate (2.61-3.40), 4-severe (3.41-4.20) and 5-very severe (4.21-5.00).

Correspondingly, it also used by the researchers to assess the self-esteem level of the
respondents using the scale: 1-very low (1.00-1.80), 2-low (1.81-2.60), 3-moderate (2.61-
3.40), 4-high (3.41-4.20) and 5-very high (4.21-5.00).
Independent t-test. It was utilized to determine the significant difference between
gender and their scores in different mental health assessments as well as the significant
difference between gender and level of self-esteem.
One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The researchers used ANOVA to determine
if there are significant differences between hours of smartphone usage and respondent’s
scores in different mental health assessments. Also, it was used to determine if there are
significant differences between hours of smartphone usage and respondent’s level of self-
esteem.
Pearson Product Moment Correlation (r). It was utilized to determine if there is a
significant relationship between hours of smartphone usage and respondent’s scores in the
different mental health assessments and if there is a significant relationship between hours
of smartphone usage and respondent’s level of self-esteem.

Results
This chapter presents the results of the data obtained from First-Year Psychology Students
who are members of the Sikolohista 2020-2021 Facebook Group Chat. It shows the percentage
and frequency of the respondents according to their demographic information. Weighted
arithmetic mean for the respondent’s scores on the different mental health assessment as well as
level of self-esteem was also presented. These results were illustrated in tables and figures
according to the data shown.
Age of Respondents
30
25
20
FREQUENCY
15
10
0
17 18 19 20 21 22 29
AGE
Figure 1. The frequency and percentage of the respondent’s age
shows that the highest number of respondents were 19 years old
(25, 35.21%), followed by 18 years old (24, 33.80%). Several are
20 years old (10, 14.08%), followed by 21 years old (5, 7.04%) and
few are 17 years old (4, 5.63%) and 22 years old (2, 2.82%).
Meanwhile, 29 years old (1, 1.41%) has the least number of
respondent. Overall, it implies that most of the first-year
psychology students in Sikolohista 2020-2021 Facebook Group Chat
of University of Nueva Caceres are 18-19 years of age.
Gender
Female Male
70%
30%
Figure 2. The frequency and percentage of the respondents according
to their gender shows that most respondents are female (50,
70.42%), while male respondents are lesser (21, 29.58%). It
signifies that among the first-year psychology students in
Sikolohista 2020-2021 Facebook Group Chat, female respondents are
more dominant than male.

Civil Status
Married
0%
Single
100%
to their civil status indicates that majority of the respondents
are single (71, 100%) and (0, 0.00%) is married. Overall, this
data infers that most of the Sikolohista 2020-2021 Facebook Group
Chat members are single.

Is the Smartphone Owned?
No
1%
Yes
99%
Yes No
Figure 4. It shows that (70, 98.60%) owned the smartphone while
(1, 1.40%) borrowed it. In general, this data infers that majority
of the respondents has their own smartphone.

How It Wa s Acqui red?

45
Gift, 41
40
35
30
Bought, 29
Frequency
25
20
15
10
5
Borrowed, 1
0
Bought Gift Borrowed
Figure 5. The frequency and percentage of the respondents on how
they acquired their smartphone indicates that most of them received
it as a gift (41, 57.75%) while it was bought by (29, 40.84%) and
only (1, 1.41%) is borrowed. Overall, it implies that many of the
respondents acquired their smartphones by way of gift and some
bought it.
When It Was Acquired?
34
35
30
25
20 17
15 12
10
4 4
5
0
less than a year more than a year 2 to 3 years ago 4 to 5 years ago 6 years ago and
ago ago more
Figure 6. The frequency and percentage of the respondents on when
they acquired their smartphone indicates that the highest number
of respondents had acquired it less than a year (34, 47.89%).
Several acquired it 2-3 years ago (17, 23.94%) and others acquired
it more than a year ago (12, 16.90%). On the other hand those who
acquired it 4 to 5 years ago and 6 years ago has the least number
of respondents (4, 5.63%). The data above infers that majority of
respondents are new owners of smartphone.

Hours Spent Daily Using Smartphone

35
30
25
20
9-12 hours
15 32
5-8 hours
25
10
3-4 hours
5
10
1-2 hours
4
0
1-2 hours 3-4 hours 5-8 hours 9-12 hours
to their number of hours spent daily using smartphone indicates
that majority of the respondents are use their smartphone for
extremely unlimited time, 9-12 hours (32, 45.07%) Also, several
use it for unlimited time, 5-8 hours (25, 35.21%). Few of the
respondents use it smartphone for a limited time, 3-4 hours (10,
14.08%) and the least number of respondents use it for very limited
time, 1-2 hours (4, 5.63%). As such, this infers that most of them
spent long hours of using their smartphones on a daily basis.

Is Smartphone Usage Helpful in Relieving Their Stress?
60
11
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Yes No
to their responses if smartphone usage is helpful in relieving
stress, majority of them consider it helpful (60, 84.50%) while
few of them (11, 15.50%) doesn’t. This infers that smartphone usage
is helpful in relieving stress.

Can They Live a Day Even Without Smartphone
39
32
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Yes No
to their responses if they can live a day even without smartphone,
majority of them responded that they can live a day even without
smartphone (39, 54.93%) while other responded that they can’t (32,
42.07%).
Smartphone Communication Activities

50
47
45
40
39 39
35 35
USAGE FREQUENCY
30
29
25
22
20
18 19
18
17 16
15
14
12
10
8 8 9
8
6 6 6 7
5 5 5
3 4 3 2
0
Phone Calls Text Messages Email Social Media Online Class Other
ACTIVITIES
Always Often Sometimes Rarely Never
Figure 10. The frequency and percentage of the respondents
according to their usage frequency on smartphone communication
activities indicates that: *Phone calls is rarely used by the
highest number of respondents (39, 54.93%), several of the
respondents use it sometimes (18, 25.35%) while others never use
it (6, 8.45%). Only few of the respondents use it often (5, 7.04%)
and the least number of respondents use it always (3, 4.23%). *Text
Messages is rarely used by the highest number of respondents (35,
49.30%) and several of the respondents use it sometimes (22,
30.99%). Meanwhile, there was the same number of respondents who
use text message always (5, 7.04%) and never (5, 7.04%). The least
number of respondents use it often (4, 5.63%). *Email is used

sometimes by the highest number of respondents (19, 26.76%), it is
followed by respondents who use it often (18, 25.35%) and rarely
(17, 23.94%). Several of the respondents use it always (14, 19.72%)
and the least number of respondents never (3, 4.23%) use it.
*Social Media is always used by the highest number of respondents
(47, 66.19%) while there was the same number of respondents for
rarely (8, 11.27%) and often (8, 11.27%). Only few of the
respondents use it sometimes (6, 8.45%) and the least number of
the respondents never use it (2, 2.82%). *Online Class is always
used by the highest number of respondents (29, 40.84%) and followed
by respondents who use it often (16, 22.54%). Some respondents
never use communication activities for online class (12, 16.90%)
while few respondents use it rarely (8, 11.27%). The least number
of respondents use online class sometimes (6, 8.45%). *Other
communication activities like business transactions, mobile game
chat, Pinterest, Discord, Viber, and Tele are never used by the
highest number of respondents (39, 54.94%). Only few of the
respondents use it sometimes (9, 12.68%) and there was the same
number of respondents who use it often (8, 11.26%) and always (8,
11.26%). The least number of respondents use it rarely (7, 9.86%).
Overall, it implies that majority of the respondents always use
their smartphone to communicate on social media and online class
compared to other communication activities listed on Figure 10.

Smartphone Communication Apps

(used to connect with)
70
60
None
50 Family
Teachers
FREQUENCY
40
Friends
30 Family & Friends
Family & Teachers

20
Teachers & Friends
10 All
APPS
according to smartphone communication apps and the persons they
communicate with indicates that the highest number of respondents
use Phone Calls (41, 57.75%) and Text Messages (33, 46.48%) to
connect with their family. Meanwhile, numerous respondents
commonly use Google Meet (33, 46.48%) and Zoom (27, 38.03%) to
connect with their teachers. Several respondents (28, 39.44%) use
Social Media to connect with all- friends, teachers and family
while Skype, WhatsApp, Facetime, Viber, and other communication
apps are not used by majority of the first-year psychology
students.
Smartphone Entertainment Activities

50
45
44
41
40 40
38
35
USAGE FREQUENCY
30
25
20 20 20
18
17
16
15
14 14
13 13
12
11 11 11
10 10
9
8 8
7
6 6
5 5 5
4
2 2
1
0
Internet Browsing Play Music Watch Videos Online Shopping Mobile Games Other
according to their usage frequency on smartphone entertainment
activities indicates that: *Internet Browsing is always used by
the highest number of respondents (38, 53.52%). Several of the
respondents browse internet often (14, 19.72%) while others do it
sometimes (11, 15.49%). Only few of the respondents browse the
internet rarely (6, 8.45%) and the least number of respondents
never (2, 2.82%). *Playing Music is always used by the highest

number of respondents (40, 56.34%). Several of the respondents use
music player sometimes (11, 15.49%) while others use it often (10,
14.08%). Only few of the respondents rarely (8, 11.27%) play music
on their smartphone and the least number of respondents never (2,
2.82%). The highest number of respondents always (41, 57.75%)
*watch videos on their smartphone. Several of the respondents only
watch videos sometimes (13, 18.31%) while others often does (11,
15.49%). Only few of the respondents watch videos rarely (5, 7.04%)
and the least number of respondents never (1, 1.41%). *Online
shopping is rarely done on their smartphone by the highest number
of respondents (20, 28.17%) followed by (18, 25.35%) who never
did. Other respondents use their smartphone for online shopping
sometimes (16, 22.54%) while some does it often (13, 18.31%). The
least number of respondents always (4, 5.63%) use their smartphone
for online shopping. *Mobile games is rarely used by the highest
number of respondents (20, 28.17%) and several respondents never
(17, 23.94%) used their smartphone in this kind of entertainment
activity. Some do it always (14, 19.72%) and few respondents often
(12, 16.90%) play mobile games on their smartphone. The least
number of respondents play sometimes (8, 11.27%). *Other
entertainment activities like Nba App, Reading, Selfie App, Online
Games, Watching Anime, Viu, Photo Editing, Ebook, Tiktok are never
used by the highest number of respondents (44, 61.97%). Some of
the respondents use it often (9, 12.68%) and always (7, 9.86%).
The least number of respondents use it sometimes (6, 8.45%)
followed by who use it rarely (5, 7.04%). Overall, it implies that
majority of the respondents always use their smartphone for
entertainment like browsing the internet, playing music and
watching videos compared to other entertainment activities listed
on Figure 12.
Smartphone Functional Activities

60
50 50
40 40 41
USAGE FREQUENCY
30 31
27
23 23 22
20 20
18 18 19
17 17 17 16
15 14
10 11 10 11 11
7 8 7 7 7
6 6 6 6
3 2 3
0 1 0 1
Map Calculator Calendar Mobile Mobile Camera Clock Other
Banking Wallet
according to their usage frequency on smartphone functional
activities indicates that: *Map is rarely used by the highest
number of respondents (23, 32.39%). Several of the respondents
never (18, 25.35%) use map while others does sometimes (17,
23.94%). Only few of the respondents use map always (7, 9.86%) and
the least number of respondents often (6, 8.45%) use it.
*Calculator is sometimes used by the highest number of respondents
(27, 38.03%). Several of the respondents use calculator rarely

(18, 25.35%) while others use it often (17, 23.94%). Only few of
the respondents always (8, 11.27%) use calculator on their
smartphone and the least number of respondents never (1, 1.41%).
The highest number of respondents always (23, 32.39%) use *Calendar
on their smartphone. Several of the respondents use calendar often
(20, 28.17%) while others rarely does (17, 23.94%). Only few of
the respondents use calendar always (11, 15.49%) and the least
number of respondents never (0, 0.00%). *Mobile Banking is never
(50, 70.42%) used by the highest number of respondents. Meanwhile,
there was the same number of respondents for rarely (7, 9.86%) and
often (7, 9.86%) users. Other respondents use their smartphone for
mobile banking sometimes (6, 8.45%). The least number of
respondents who always use mobile banking is (1, 1.41%). *Mobile
wallet is never used by the highest number of respondents (40,
56.34%) and several respondents rarely (15, 21.13%) used their
smartphone in this kind of functional activity. Some use it
sometimes (7, 9.86%) and few respondents often (6, 8.45%) use
mobile wallet apps on their smartphone. The least number of
respondents always (3, 4.22%) use mobile wallet. *Camera is used
always by the highest number of respondents (31, 43.66%), it is
followed by the same number of respondents who use it often (14,
19.72%) and sometimes (14, 19.72%). Few respondents use camera
rarely (10, 14.08%). The least number of respondents never (2,
2.82%) use it. *Clock is always used by the highest number of

respondents (22, 30.98%) followed by who use it often (19, 26.76%).
Several use it sometimes (16, 22.54%). Only few of the respondents
use it rarely (11, 15.49%) and the least number of respondents
never use it (3, 4.23%). *Other functional activities like Remote
Control, Settings, Compass, Translator, Recording, Snapchat and
Workouts are never used by the highest number of respondents (41,
57.74%). Some of the respondents use it often (11, 15.49%) and
sometimes (7, 9.86%). There are the same least number of
respondents for always (6, 8.45%) and rarely (6, 8.45%). Overall,
it implies that majority of the respondents always use their
smartphone for functional activities like camera and clock
compared to other entertainment activities listed on Figure 13.
Table 2
Respondent’s level of insomnia
Insomnia Symptoms Weighted Mean Interpretation
Difficulty falling asleep. 3.28 Moderate
Difficulty staying asleep. 2.44 Mild
Problems waking up too early. 3.29 Moderate
How NOTICEABLE to others do

you think your sleep problem 3.02 Moderate
is in terms of impairing the
quality of your life?
How WORRIED/DISTRESSED are 3.18 Moderate

you about your current sleep
problem?
To what extent do you

consider your sleep problem
to INTERFERE with your daily 3.19 Moderate
functioning (e.g. daytime
fatigue, mood, ability to
function at work/daily
chores, concentration,
memory, mood, etc.)
CURRENTLY?
How SATISFIED/DISSATISFIED 3.71 Severe

are you with your CURRENT
sleep pattern?
Overall: 3.16 Moderate
In Table 2, it was observed that the highest insomnia symptom experienced by the
respondents was about their current sleep pattern (WM=3.71, Severe), followed by problems on
waking up too early (WM=3.29, Moderate), and then, difficulty falling asleep (WM=3.28,
Moderate) They also experience worries about their current sleep problem (WM=3.18, Moderate)
and they think that their sleep problem is in terms of impairing the quality of their life (WM= 3.02,
Moderate) . Meanwhile, the respondent’s least experienced symptom of insomnia is difficulty
staying asleep (WM=2.44, Mild), Overall, the degree of severity on respondents insomnia is in
moderate level (WM= 3.16, Moderate).
Table 3
Respondent’s level of irritability
Irritability Symptoms Weighted Mean Interpretation
I have been grumpy. 3.01 Moderate
I have been feeling like I 2.94 Moderate

might snap.
Other people have been getting 3.24 Moderate

on my nerves.
Things have been bothering me 3.10 Moderate

more than they normally do.
I have been feeling irritable. 3.30 Moderate
Difficulty concentrating. 3.37 Moderate
In Table 3, it was observed that the highest irritability symptom experienced by the
respondents was about their difficulty in concentrating (WM=3.37, Moderate), followed by they
had been feeling irritable (WM=3.30, Moderate), and having experienced that other people had
been getting on their nerves (WM=3.24, Moderate). Also, they felt bothered by things more than
they normally do (WM=3.10, Moderate) and they had been grumpy (WM= 3.01, Moderate).
Meanwhile, the respondent’s least experienced symptom of irritability is the feeling that they
might snap (WM=2.94, Moderate), Overall, the degree of severity on respondents irritability is in
moderate level (WM= 3.16, Moderate).
Table 4
Respondent’s level of anger
Anger Symptoms Weighted Mean Interpretation
I was irritated more than 3.10 Moderate

people knew.
I raise my voice. 3.05 Moderate
I felt like I was ready to 2.91 Moderate

explode.
I was grouchy. 2.71 Moderate
I felt annoyed. 3.36 Moderate
I start to shake or tremble. 2.67 Moderate
In Table 4, it was observed that the highest anger symptom experienced by the respondents
was about their feeling of being annoyed (WM=3.36, Moderate), followed by how often they felt
irritated more than people knew (WM=3.10, Moderate), and how often they raised their voices
(WM=3.05, Moderate). Also, they felt like they were ready to explode (WM=2.91, Moderate) and
they had been grouchy (WM= 2.71, Moderate). Meanwhile, the respondent’s least experienced
symptom of anger is shaking or trembling (WM=2.67, Moderate), Overall, the degree of severity
on respondents anger is in moderate level (WM= 2.97, Moderate).
Table 5
Respondent’s level of inadequacy
Inadequacy Symptoms Weighted Mean Interpretation
Feeling anxious after 3.12 Moderate

completing a task or a
performance.
Inability to accept praise 3.22 Moderate

or trust from others.
Fear of being rejected. 3.61 Severe
Having a perception of 3.63 Severe

failure.
Thinking of self-criticism. 3.46 Severe
Low Self-Esteem. 3.41 Severe
Overall: 3.41 Severe
In Table 5, it was observed that the highest inadequacy symptom experienced by the
respondents was about having a perception of failure (WM=3.63, Severe), followed by fear of
being rejected (WM=3.61, Severe), and thinking of self-criticism (WM=3.46, Severe). Also, they
experience low self-esteem (WM=3.41, Severe) and inability to accept praise or trust from others
(WM= 3.22, Moderate). Meanwhile, the respondent’s least experienced symptom of inadequacy
is the feeling of anxiousness after completing a task or a performance (WM=3.12, Moderate),
Overall, the degree of severity on respondents inadequacy is in severe level (WM= 3.41, Severe).
Table 6
Respondent’s level of anxiety
Anxiety Symptoms Weighted Mean Interpretation
3.42 Severe
Feeling nervous, anxious or
on edge.
Not being able to stop or 3.48 Severe

control worrying.
Worrying too much about 3.64 Severe

different things.
Trouble relaxing. 3.04 Moderate
Being so restless that it is 2.92 Moderate

hard to sit still.
Becoming easily annoyed or 3.26 Moderate

irritable.
Feeling afraid as if 3.44 Severe

something awful might happen.
In Table 6, it was observed that the highest anxiety symptom experienced by the respondents
was about worrying too much about different things (WM=3.64, Severe) followed by not being
able to stop or control worrying (WM=3.48, Severe), feeling afraid as if something awful might
happen (WM=3.44, Severe) and feeling nervous, anxious or on edge (WM=3.42, Severe). Also,
they became easily annoyed or irritable (WM=3.26, Moderate) and they face trouble in relaxing
(WM=3.04, Moderate) Meanwhile, the respondent’s least experienced symptom of anxiety is the
feeling of being so restless that it is hard to sit still (WM=2.92, Moderate), Overall, the degree of
severity on respondents anxiety is in moderate level (WM= 3.31, Moderate).

Table 7
Respondent’s level of stress
Stress Symptoms Weighted Mean Interpretation
How often have you been upset 3.30 Moderate

because of something that
happened unexpectedly?
How often have you felt that you 3.30 Moderate

were unable to control the
important things in your life?
How often have you felt nervous 3.48 Severe

and stressed?
How often have you felt 3.27 Moderate

unconfident about your ability
to handle your personal
problems?
How often have you felt that 3.26 Moderate

things were not going your way?
How often have you found that 3.07 Moderate

you could not cope with all the
things that you had to do?
How often have you been unable 3.00 Moderate

to control irritations in your
life?
How often have you felt that you 3.17 Moderate

can’t get top of things?
How often have you been angered 3.08 Moderate

because of things that happened
that were outside of your
control?
How often have you felt 2.92 Moderate

difficulties were piling up so
high that you could not overcome
them?

In Table 7, it was observed that the highest stress symptom experienced by the respondents
was about how often they had felt nervous and stressed (WM=3.48, Severe) followed by how often
they had been upset because of something that happened unexpectedly (WM=3.30, Moderate) and
how often they were unable to control the important things in their life (WM=3.30, Moderate).
Also, the respondents felt unconfident about their ability to handle personal problems (WM=3.27,
Moderate), things were not going their way (WM=3.26, Moderate) and they can’t get top of things
(WM=3.17, Moderate). Correspondingly, they had been angered because of things that happened
outside of their control (WM=3.08, Moderate), they could not cope with all the things that they
had to do (WM=3.07, Moderate) and they were unable to control irritations in their life (WM=3.00,
Moderate). Meanwhile, the respondent’s least experienced symptom of stress is the piling up of
difficulties that they could not overcome (WM=2.92, Moderate). Overall, the degree of severity
on respondents stress is in moderate level (WM= 3.19, Moderate).

Table 8
Respondent’s level of Depression
Depression Symptoms Weighted Mean Interpretation
Little interest or pleasure in 3.15 Moderate

doing things?
Feeling down, depressed, or 3.42 Severe

hopeless?
Trouble falling or staying 3.38 Moderate

asleep, or sleeping too much?
Feeling tired or having little 3.47 Severe

energy?
Poor appetite or overeating? 3.40 Moderate
Feeling bad about yourself - or 3.45 Severe

that you are a failure or have
let yourself or your family
down?
Trouble concentrating on things, 3.05 Moderate

such as reading the newspaper or
watching television?
Moving or speaking so slowly 2.89 Moderate

that other people could have
noticed. Or the opposite- Being
so fidgety or restless that you
have been moving around a lot
more than usual?
Thoughts that you would be 3.14 Moderate

better off dead, or of hurting
yourself in some way?
If you checked off any problems, 3.13 Moderate

how difficult have these
problems made it for you to do
your work, take care of things
at home, or get along with other
people?

In Table 8, it was observed that the highest depression symptom experienced by the
respondents was feeling tired or having little energy (WM=3.47, Severe), followed by feeling bad
about themselves (WM=3.45, Severe), and feeling down, depressed, or hopeless (WM=3.42,
Severe).Also, the respondents experienced poor appetite or overeating (WM=3.40, Moderate),
trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much (WM=3.38, Moderate) and shows little
interest or pleasure in doing things (WM=3.15, Moderate). Correspondingly, they have thoughts
that they would be better off dead, or hurting themselves in some way (WM=3.14, Moderate), they
also face difficulty on controlling these manifestations as they do their work or get along with
other people (WM=3.13, Moderate) and they face trouble concentrating on things, such as reading
the newspaper or watching television (WM=3.00, Moderate). Meanwhile, the respondent’s least
experienced symptom of depression is moving or speaking so slowly or being so fidgety or restless
that they had been moving around a lot more than usual (WM=2.89, Moderate). Overall, the degree
of severity on respondents depression is in moderate level (WM= 3.25, Moderate).

Table 9
Respondent’s level of Self-esteem
Indications Weighted Mean Interpretation
On the whole, I am satisfied 2.98 Moderate

with myself.
At times I think I am good at 2.86 Moderate

all.
I feel that I have a number 2.98 Moderate

of good qualities.
I am able to do things as 2.89 Moderate

well as most other people.
I feel I have much to be 3.01 Moderate

proud of.
I certainly feel useful at 2.91 Moderate

times.
I feel that I'm a person of 3.07 Moderate

worth, at least on an equal
plane with others.
I have more respect for 3.38 Moderate

myself.
I am inclined to feel that I 2.96 Moderate

am not a failure.
I take a positive attitude 3.27 Moderate

toward myself.

In Table 9, it was observed that the self-esteem indication highly exhibited by the
respondents was they have more respect for themselves (WM=3.38, Moderate), followed by taking
positive attitude (WM=3.27, Moderate), and having a feeling of worth at least on an equal plane
with others (WM=3.07, Moderate). Also, the respondents feel that they have much to be proud of
(WM=3.01, Moderate), they have a number of good qualities (WM=2.98, Moderate) and they felt
satisfied with themselves (WM=2.98, Moderate). Correspondingly, they inclined to feel that they
are not failures (WM=2.96, Moderate), they also certainly feel useful at times (WM=2.91,
Moderate) and they were able to do things as well as most other people do (WM=2.89, Moderate).
Meanwhile, the respondent’s least exhibited self-esteem indication is thinking that they are good
at all (WM=2.86, Moderate). Overall, the degree respondents self-esteem is in moderate level
(WM= 3.03, Moderate).

Table 10
Weighted Means of respondent’s experienced mental health effects
Mental Health Effects Weighted Mean Interpretation
Inadequacy 3.41 Severe
Anxiety 3.31 Moderate
Depression 3.25 Moderate
Stress 3.19 Moderate
Insomnia 3.16 Moderate
Irritability 3.16 Moderate
Anger 2.97 Moderate
In Table 10, it shows the weighted means of the mental health effects of smartphone usage.
It was observed that the respondent’s level Inadequacy (WM= 3.41, Severe) is severe.
Furthermore, the level on the following effects are moderate: Anxiety (WM=3.31, Moderate),
Depression (WM=3.25, Moderate), Stress (WM=3.19, Moderate), Insomnia (WM=3.16,
Moderate), Irritability (WM=3.16, Moderate) and Anger (WM=2.97, Moderate). On the whole,
the effects level of smartphone usage on mental health of the respondents is moderate (WM=3.21,
Moderate)
Table 11
Means and Standard Deviations of respondent’s Insomnia Scores
depending on hours of smartphone usage
Hours of Std.
Variable Smartphone N Mean
Deviation
Usage
1-2 hours 4 17.75 3.59
I
N
S 3-4 hours 10 18.60 6.38
O
M
N
I 5-8 hours 25 19.92 5.41
A
9-12 hours 32 19.72 5.54
Total 71 19.52 5.46
Among the four groups, which are categorized according to their hours of smartphone
usage , the mean of the 5-8 hours users has the highest insomnia score (N=25, M = 19.92, SD =
5.41) while the mean of 1-2 hours users has the lowest insomnia score (N=4, M = 17.75, SD =
3.59).
Table 12
Means and standard deviations of respondent’s irritability
scores depending on hours of smartphone usage
Hours of
Variable Smartphone Std.
N Mean
Usage Deviation
I 1-2 hours 4 12.25 2.63

R
R
I
T 3-4 hours 10 18.30 4.60
A
B
I
L 5-8 hours 25 16.24 3.57
I
T
Y
9-12 hours 32 16.94 5.91
Total 71 16.62 4.94
usage , the mean of the 3-4 hours users has the highest irritability score (N=10, M = 18.30, SD =
4.60) while the mean of 1-2 hours users has the lowest irritability score (N=4, M = 12.25, SD =
2.63).
Table 13
Means and standard deviations of respondent’s anger scores
Hours of Std.
Variable N Mean
Smartphone Deviation
Usage
1-2 hours 4 9.75 0.96
A
3-4 hours 10 15.70 4.72
N
G
E
R
5-8 hours 25 14.80 4.32
9-12 hours 32 15.34 6.50
Total 71 14.89 5.45
usage , the mean of the 3-4 hours users has the highest anger score (N=10, M = 15.70, SD = 4.72)
while the mean of 1-2 hours users has the lowest anger score (N=4, M = 9.75, SD = 0.96).
Table 14
Means and standard deviations of respondent’s inadequacy scores
Hours of Std.
Variable N Mean
Smartphone Deviation
Usage
I 1-2 hours 4 12.50 3.11

N
A
D
E 3-4 hours 10 19.70 5.91
Q
U
A
C 5-8 hours 25 17.16 5.30
Y
9-12 hours 32 17.38 6.69
Total 71 17.35 6.05
usage , the mean of the 3-4 hours users has the highest inadequacy score (N=10, M = 19.70, SD =
5.91) while the mean of 1-2 hours users has the lowest inadequacy score (N=4, M = 12.50, SD =
3.11).
Table 15
Means and standard deviations of respondent’s anxiety scores
Hours of Std.
Variable N Mean
Smartphone
Deviation
Usage
1-2 hours 4 15.25 4.11
A
N
X 3-4 hours 10 23.00 6.50
I
E
T
5-8 hours 25 19.92 5.26
Y
9-12 hours 32 20.47 7.45
Total 71 20.34 6.54
usage , the mean of the 3-4 hours users has the highest anxiety score (N=32, M = 23.00, SD =
6.50) while the mean of 1-2 hours users has the lowest anxiety score (N=4, M = 15.25, SD = 4.11).
Table 16
Means and standard deviations of respondent’s stress scores
Hours of Std.
Variable N Mean
Smartphone
Deviation
Usage
1-2 hours 4 20.25 3.40
S
T
3-4 hours 10 32.10 7.29
R
E
S
S 5-8 hours 25 27.96 5.94
9-12 hours 32 27.38 11.33
Total 71 27.85 9.07
usage , the mean of the 3-4 hours users has the highest stress score (N=32, M = 32.10, SD = 7.29)
while the mean of 1-2 hours users has the lowest stress score (N=4, M = 20.25, SD = 3.40).
Table 17
Means and standard deviations of respondent’s depression scores
Hours of Std.
Variable N Mean
Smartphone
Deviation
Usage
1-2 hours 4 22.25 2.87

D
E
P
R 3-4 hours 10 31.40 7.24
E
S
S
5-8 hours 25 26.36 7.23
I
O
N
9-12 hours 32 27.91 9.94
Total 71 27.54 8.55
usage , the mean of the 3-4 hours users has the highest depression score (N=32, M = 31.40, SD =
7.24) while the mean of 1-2 hours users has the lowest depression score (N=4, M = 22.25, SD =
2.87).
Table 18
Difference between male and female insomnia scores
Male Female
Variable M SD M SD T
Insomnia 18.00 3.59 20.16 5.99 -1.536
Note: *p<0.05, **p<0.01
In order to compare the mean of males’ insomnia scores to the females’, an independent t-
test was calculated. There was no significant difference found (t (69) = -1.536, p>0.05). Thus, the
mean of the males’ insomnia scores (M = 18.00, SD = 3.59) was not significantly different from
the mean of the females’ insomnia scores (M = 20.16, SD = 5.99).
Table 19
Difference between male and female irritability scores
Male Female
Irritability 14.43 3.87 17.54 5.09 -2.510
Note: *p<0.05, **p<0.01
In order to compare the mean of males’ irritability scores to the females’, an independent
t-test was calculated. There a significant difference found (t (69) = -2.510, p<0.05). Thus, the mean
of the males’ irritability scores (M = 14.43, SD = 3.84) was significantly different from the mean
of the females’ irritability scores (M = 17.54, SD = 5.09). The effect size is 0.08 which is very
small, 28% explains the difference between the male and female irritability scores.
Table 20
Difference between male and female anger scores
Male Female
Anger 12.62 3.57 15.84 5.84 -2.343
Note: *p<0.05, **p<0.01
In order to compare the mean of males’ anger scores to the females’, an independent t-test
was calculated. There a significant difference found (t (69) = -2.343, p<0.05). Thus, the mean of
the males’ anger scores (M = 12.62, SD = 3.57) was significantly different from the females’ anger
scores (M = 15.84, SD = 5.84). The effect size is 0.07 which is very small, 26% explains the
difference between the male and female anger scores.
Table 21
Difference between male and female inadequacy scores
Male Female
Inadequacy 15.86 5.50 17.98 6.21 -1.359
Note: *p<0.05, **p<0.01
In order to compare the mean of males’ inadequacy scores to the females’, an independent
t-test was calculated. There was no significant difference found (t (69) = -1.359, p>0.05). Thus,
the mean of the males’ inadequacy scores (M = 15.86, SD = 5.50) was not significantly different
from the mean of the females’ inadequacy scores (M = 17.98, SD = 6.21).

Table 22
Difference between male and female anxiety scores
Male Female
Anxiety 18.76 5.49 21.00 6.88 -1.323
Note: *p<0.05, **p<0.01
In order to compare the mean of males’ anxiety scores to the females’, an independent t-
test was calculated. There was no significant difference found (t (69) = -1.323, p>0.05). Thus, the
mean of the males’ anxiety scores (M = 18.76, SD = 5.49) was not significantly different from the
mean of the females’ anxiety scores (M = 21.00, SD = 6.88).
Table 23
Difference between male and female stress scores
Male Female
Anxiety 25.62 6.61 28.78 9.83 -1.348
Note: *p<0.05, **p<0.01
In order to compare the mean of males’ stress scores to the females’, an independent t-test
was calculated. There was no significant difference found (t (69) = -1.348, p>0.05). Thus, the mean
of the males’ stress scores (M = 25.62, SD = 6.61) was not significantly different from the mean
of the females’ stress scores (M = 28.78, SD = 9.83).

Table 24
Difference between male and female depression scores
Male Female
Anxiety 24.57 6.75 28.78 8.97 -1.930
Note: *p<0.05, **p<0.01
In order to compare the mean of males’ depression scores to the females’, an independent
t-test was calculated. There was no significant difference found (t (69) = -1.930, p>0.05). Thus,
the mean of the males’ depression scores (M = 24.57, SD = 6.75) was not significantly different
from the mean of the females’ depression scores (M = 28.78, SD = 8.97).
Table 25
Difference between male and female Self-esteem scores
Male Female
Self-esteem 28.76 4.78 28.58 4.82 0.145
Note: *p<0.05, **p<0.01
In order to compare the mean of males’ self-esteem scores to the females’, an independent
t-test was calculated. There was no significant difference found (t (69) = 0.145, p>0.05). Thus, the
mean of the males’ self-esteem scores (M = 28.76, SD = 4.78) was not significantly different from
the mean of the females’ self-esteem scores (M = 28.58, SD = 4.82).

Table 26
Difference between hours of smartphone usage and insomnia scores
Sum of df Mean F
Squares Square
26.26 3 8.75
Between Groups
.285
Within Groups 2059.46 67 30.74
Total
2085.72 70
Note: *p<0.05, **p<0.01
In order to test the hypothesis that there are significant differences between hours of
smartphone usage and insomnia scores, One-Way ANOVA was utilized and tested at 0.05 level of
significance. The results indicate that no statistical difference found between hours of smartphone
usage and respondent’s insomnia scores, F (3, 67) = .285, p > 0.05.
Table 27
Difference between hours of smartphone usage and irritability
scores
Sum of df Mean F
Squares Square
Between Groups 111.45 3 37.15

1.556
Total 1710.73 70
Note: *p<0.05, **p<0.01
smartphone usage and irritability scores, One-Way ANOVA was utilized and tested at 0.05 level
of significance. The results indicate that no statistical difference found between hours of
smartphone usage and respondent’s irritability scores, F (3, 67) = 1.556, p > 0.05.
Table 28
Difference between hours of smartphone usage and anger scores
and
Sum of df Mean F
Squares Square

1.355
Total 2081.10 70
Note: *p<0.05, **p<0.01
smartphone usage and anger scores, One-Way ANOVA was utilized and tested at 0.05 level of
usage and respondent’s anger scores, F (3, 67) = 1.355, p > 0.05.
Table 29
Difference between hours of smartphone usage and inadequacy
scores
Sum of df Mean F
Squares Square

1.393
Total 2558.20 70
Note: *p<0.05, **p<0.01
smartphone usage and inadequacy scores, One-Way ANOVA was utilized and tested at 0.05 level
smartphone usage and respondent’s inadequacy scores, F (3, 67) = 1.393, p > 0.05.
Table 30
Difference between hours of smartphone usage and anxiety scores
Sum of df Mean F
Squares Square

1.422
Total 2995.89 70
Note: *p<0.05, **p<0.01
smartphone usage and anxiety scores, One-Way ANOVA was utilized and tested at 0.05 level of
usage and respondent’s anxiety scores, F (3, 67) = 1.422, p > 0.05.
Table 31
Difference between hours of smartphone usage and stress scores
Sum of df Mean F
Squares Square

1.753
Total 5759.30 70
Note: *p<0.05, **p<0.01
smartphone usage and stress scores, One-Way ANOVA was utilized and tested at 0.05 level of
usage and respondent’s stress scores, F (3, 67) = 1.753, p > 0.05.
Table 32
Difference between hours of smartphone usage and depression
scores
Sum of df Mean F
Squares Square

1.391
Total 5115.67 70
Note: *p<0.05, **p<0.01
smartphone usage and depression scores, One-Way ANOVA was utilized and tested at 0.05 level
smartphone usage and respondent’s depression scores, F (3, 67) = 1.391, p > 0.05.
Table 33
Difference between hours of smartphone usage and self-esteem
scores
Sum of df Mean F
Squares Square

1.655
Total 1596.48 70
Note: *p<0.05, **p<0.01
smartphone usage and self-esteem scores, One-Way ANOVA was utilized and tested at 0.05 level
smartphone usage and respondent’s self-esteem scores, F (3, 67) = 1.655, p > 0.05.
Table 34
Correlation between hours of smartphone usage and insomnia scores
Variable Insomnia Scores
Hours of Smartphone Usage -.088
N 71
Note: N= sample size, *p<0.05, **p<0.01
It was hypothesized that the respondent’s hours of smartphone usage would correlate
significantly with their insomnia scores. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation r was calculated
to determine the relationship between the respondent’s hours of smartphone usage (M=3.20,
SD=0.89) and insomnia scores (M = 19.52, SD = 5.48). It was found that there is no significant
relationship found between the respondent’s hours of smartphone usage and insomnia scores.
Table 35
Correlation between hours of smartphone usage and irritability
scores
Variable Irritability Scores
N 71
significantly with their irritability scores. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation r was
calculated to determine the relationship between the respondent’s hours of smartphone usage
(M=3.20, SD=0.89) and irritability scores (M = 16.62, SD = 4.94). It was found that there is no
significant relationship found between the respondent’s hours of smartphone usage and irritability
scores.
Table 36
Correlation between hours of smartphone usage and anger scores
Variable Anger Scores
Hours of Smartphone Usage .140
N 71
significantly with their anger scores. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation r was calculated to
determine the relationship between the respondent’s hours of smartphone usage (M=3.20,
SD=0.89) and anger scores (M = 14.89, SD = 5.45). It was found that there is no significant
relationship found between the respondent’s hours of smartphone usage and anger scores.
Table 37
Correlation between hours of smartphone usage and inadequacy
scores
Variable Inadequacy Scores
N 71
significantly with their inadequacy scores. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation r was
(M=3.20, SD=0.89) and inadequacy scores (M = 17.35, SD = 6.04). It was found that there is no
significant relationship found between the respondent’s hours of smartphone usage and inadequacy
scores.
Table 38
Correlation between hours of smartphone usage and anxiety scores
Variable Anxiety Scores
N 71
significantly with their anxiety scores. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation r was calculated
to determine the relationship between the respondent’s hours of smartphone usage (M=3.20,
SD=0.89) and anxiety scores (M = 20.34, SD = 6.54). It was found that there is no significant
relationship found between the respondent’s hours of smartphone usage and anxiety scores.
Table 39
Correlation between hours of smartphone usage and stress scores
Variable Stress Scores
N 71
significantly with their stress scores. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation r was calculated to
determine the relationship between the respondent’s hours of smartphone usage (M=3.20,
SD=0.89) and stress scores (M = 27.85, SD = 9.07). It was found that there is no significant
relationship found between the respondent’s hours of smartphone usage and stress scores.
Table 40
Correlation between hours of smartphone usage and depression
scores
Variable Depression Scores
N 71
significantly with their depression scores. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation r was
(M=3.20, SD=0.89) and depression scores (M = 27.54, SD = 8.55). It was found that there is no
significant relationship found between the respondent’s hours of smartphone usage and depression
scores.
Table 41
Correlation between hours of smartphone usage and self-esteem
scores
Variable Self-Esteem Scores
N 71
significantly with their self-esteem scores. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation r was
(M=3.20, SD=0.89) and self-esteem scores (M = 28.63, SD = 4.78). It was found that there is no
significant relationship found between the respondent’s hours of smartphone usage and self-esteem
scores.
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Smartphone Usage, Effects On Mental Health

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Running Head: SMARTPHONE: EFFECTS ON MENTAL HEALTH 1

Smartphone Usage: Effects on Mental Health of

First-Year Psychology Students from University of Nueva Caceres

April Nicole Q. Reyes

Lucky Olivian Khay Rivera

University of Nueva Caceres

First-Year Psychology Students from University of Nueva Caceres

quality of life of an individual.

tends to cause sleep disturbance.

factor for developing mental health problems in young adults.

problems. In addition, vulnerability, misunderstandings, altered values, and feelings of inadequacy

were also reported in the results of the study.

capable of contributing to an effective communication”. Exposure to smartphone can have adverse

the following questions:

1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:

2. How and when they acquired their smartphones?

4. Is using smartphone helpful in relieving their stress?

5. Can they live a day without their smartphone?

6. How often they use smartphone for the following activities?

8. Is there a significant difference between gender and scores in level of self-esteem?

different mental health assessments?

different mental health assessments?

1. There is a significant difference between gender and scores in:

2. There is a significant difference between gender and level of self-esteem.

Means prolonged and usually abnormal inability to get enough sleep.

It is the quality or state of being irritable, such as quick excitability to annoyance,

It is a strong feeling of displeasure and usually of antagonism.

It is the quality or state of being not enough or good enough.

may be a factor in disease causation.

It is a mood disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and

of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies.

It is the confidence and satisfaction in oneself.

Population and Sample

from the said total population.

respondents. The data were presented in table 1.

Population and Sample of the Respondents

No. of Computed No. of

17 y/o 5 0.058 4.11 4

18 y/o 29 0.337 23.92 24

19 y/o 30 0.348 24.70 25

20 y/o 12 0.139 9.86 10

21 y/o 6 0.069 4.89 5

22 y/o 3 0.034 2.41 2

29 y/o 1 0.011 0.78 1

2021 Facebook Group Chat members.

Instrument of the Study

10 questions and answerable by scaling: 4 as strongly agree, 3 as agree, 2 as disagree and 1 as

based on their self-observed behaviors and feelings.

conducting the survey on their selected online platform.

Data Gathering Procedure

used by the researchers in this study:

demographic information, daily smartphone activities, hours of smartphone usage, and

(1.81-2.60), 3-moderate (2.61-3.40), 4-severe (3.41-4.20) and 5-very severe (4.21-5.00).

3.40), 4-high (3.41-4.20) and 5-very high (4.21-5.00).

Independent t-test. It was utilized to determine the significant difference between

difference between gender and level of self-esteem.

One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The researchers used ANOVA to determine

Pearson Product Moment Correlation (r). It was utilized to determine if there is a

of smartphone usage and respondent’s level of self-esteem.

and frequency of the respondents according to their demographic information. Weighted

according to the data shown.

Figure 1. The frequency and percentage of the respondent’s age

shows that the highest number of respondents were 19 years old