Impact of Loneliness on Nomophobia among University Students: Mediating Role of Online Social Interaction and Moderating Role of Social Support

Authors

  • Marwa Khan Research assistant at the office of research innovation and commercialization (ORIC) & M. Phil scholar, National Institute of Psychology, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad
  • Javeria Israr MS. Psychology, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Palwasha Nasir Abbasi M. Phil Scholar, National Institute of Psychology, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35484/pssr.2025(9-II)06

Keywords:

Loneliness, Nomophobia, Online Social Interaction, Social Support, University Students, Mediation, Moderation, Digital Addiction, Psychological Well-being

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between loneliness and nomophobia among university students, investigating the mediating role of online social interaction (OSI) and the moderating role of social support. A sample of 300 participants was surveyed, and the results indicated a significant positive correlation between loneliness and nomophobia (r = .65, p < .001), suggesting that greater loneliness leads to higher levels of nomophobia. OSI was found to mediate this relationship (B = .29, p < .001), while social support moderated it (B = .18, p < .05), buffering the negative impact of loneliness on nomophobia. These findings emphasize that loneliness can intensify nomophobia through increased online social interaction, and that social support plays a key role in mitigating this effect. Based on these results, the recommendations included that interventions aimed at reducing nomophobia should focus on alleviating loneliness and enhancing social support networks among university students.

Vol. 9 No. 2 (2025): April to June

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Published

2025-04-17

Details

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    PDF Downloads: 72

How to Cite

Khan, M., Israr, J., & Abbasi, P. N. (2025). Impact of Loneliness on Nomophobia among University Students: Mediating Role of Online Social Interaction and Moderating Role of Social Support. Pakistan Social Sciences Review, 9(2), 74–88. https://doi.org/10.35484/pssr.2025(9-II)06

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 2 (2025): April to June

Section

Articles

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