Investigating the Pattern of Structural Relationships of Mobile Phone Dependence Based on Cognitive Flexibility with the Mediating Role of Alexithymia in Students of Mohaghegh Ardabili University in 2020: A Descriptive Study

College students are at risk of mobile phone dependence as they are the quickest adopters of mobile phone technologies. This study aimed to investigate the pattern of structural relationships of mobile phone dependence based on cognitive flexibility with the mediating role of alexithymia in students.

The present study was descriptive, based on structural equations modeling. The statistical population included all students of Mohaghegh Ardebili University in the second semester of the academic year 2020. A total of 205 of these individuals were selected by available sampling method and answered online questionnaires on mobile phone dependence, cognitive flexibility and alexithymia. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and structural equations modeling (SEM).

The results showed that mobile phone dependence was negatively related to cognitive flexibility (r=-0.36, p<0.001) and positively related to alexithymia (r=0.48, p<0.001). Alexithymia was also negatively associated with cognitive flexibility (r=-0.59, p<0.001). Model fit indices also confirmed the path of cognitive flexibility of mobile phone dependence with the mediating role of alexithymia.

In general, the results showed that cognitive flexibility is directly and indirectly mediated by alexithymia in cell phone dependence. Based on findings of the present study, it is practically recommended to hold workshops by counselors and psychologists to regulate and manage emotions and problem-solving strategies and to inform students of the dangers of mobile phone dependence.