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1. N 19(2) S2: 110-114, 2024 www.thebioscan.com Interventions and Treatment for Nomophobia: A Systematic Review Sujitha Jebarose Jebanesy. T 1,Dr.Vasantha. S 2 Ph.D Scholar 1, Research Supervisor cum Principal 2 1 Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Selaiyur, Chennai and Assistant professor, Faculty of Nursing, Dr. M.G.R Educational and Research Institute, Velappanchavadi, Chennai-77 2 Bharath College of Nursing, , Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Selaiyur, Chennai Corresponding author: Sujitha Jebarose Jebanesy.T, Email.ID: sujisiga@gmail.com Mobile no: 8681979871 DOI: https://doi.org/10.63001/tbs.2024.v19.i02.S2.pp110-114 KEYWORDS Nomophobia, interventions, treatment, systematic review, mobile phone addiction, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness Receivedon: ABSTRACT Background: Nomophobia, defined as the fear or anxiety of being without a mobile phone, has become increasingly prevalent in the digital age. This condition can significantly impact an individual's psychological well-being and daily functioning. Various interventions have been proposed to address Nomophobia, but their effectiveness remains under- researched. Objective: This review aims to systematically evaluate the existing literature on interventions and treatments for 05-06-2024 Nomophobia, assessing their effectiveness and identifying areas for future research. Accepted on: Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus for studies published up to June 2024. Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed articles that evaluated interventions for 06-09-2024 Nomophobia in adult populations. Studies were screened, and data were extracted and analyzed for intervention type, Corresponding author methodology, and outcomes. Results: A total of 15 studies were included in the review, encompassing psychological, behavioral, and technological interventions. Results indicate that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions showed the most promise in reducing Nomophobia symptoms. Digital detox programs also demonstrated effectiveness in specific contexts. Conclusion: While several interventions show potential in treating Nomophobia, there is a need for more rigorous, long-term studies to validate their effectiveness and to explore interventions across diverse populations. 110

2. 1.1 Background & Significance: In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, mobile phones have become indispensable tools for communication, information access, and social interaction. However, the ubiquitous presence of mobile devices has given rise to a phenomenon known as Nomophobia, a portmanteau of "no-mobile-phone phobia." Nomophobia is characterized by the fear of being without a mobile phone or the anxiety associated with losing access to its functionalities. The term was first introduced in 2008 in a study commissioned by the UK Post Office, which found that nearly 53% of mobile phone users in the UK experienced anxiety when they “could not use their mobile phones” .The prevalence of Nomophobia has since escalated, reflecting the increasing dependency on mobile phones across various demographics. Studies indicate that Nomophobia affects a significant portion of the population, including students, professionals, and even young children. The psychological and social implications of this condition are profound, contributing to issues such as decreased productivity, poor academic performance, and strained personal relationships . Despite the growing recognition of Nomophobia as a significant mental health issue, there remains a dearth of comprehensive studies examining effective interventions and treatments. Current approaches to managing Nomophobia are varied and often lack empirical support. This gap in the literature underscores the need for systematic reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of existing interventions and to provide evidence-based recommendations for practitioners and policymakers. 1.2 Objectives: The primary objective of this systematic review is to identify and assess the effectiveness of interventions designed to treat Nomophobia. By synthesizing data from various studies, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research, highlight effective strategies, and identify areas for future investigation. 2. METHODS 2.1 Search Strategy: • A systematic search was performed using databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus. • The search terms "intervention," "treatment," "mobile phone addiction," and "therapy." • Articles published in English up to June 2024 were considered. 2.2 Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: Studies were included if they: Evaluated interventions aimed at reducing Nomophobia. Involved adult participants. Provided quantitative or qualitative outcome data. Studies were excluded if they: Focused solely on descriptive aspects of Nomophobia interventions. Included non-peer-reviewed sources such as editorials or commentaries.Data Extraction. Data were extracted on study characteristics (e.g., sample size, demographics), intervention types, methodology, and key findings. The extraction process was conducted independently by two reviewers to ensure accuracy and reliability. 2.3 Quality Assessment: The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, evaluating factors such as randomization, blinding, and completeness of outcome data. 3. RESULTS: 3.1 Study Selection: Out of 1625 articles identified, 68 were screened for full-text review, and 15 met the inclusion criteria. The study selection process is summarized in Figure 1 (PRISMA flow diagram). 3.2 Study Characteristics: The included studies varied in design, sample size, and intervention type. Sample sizes ranged from 30 to 300 participants, with a majority conducted in university settings. 3.3 Intervention Types: The interventions reviewed Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, digital detox programs, and technological tools designed to reduce mobile phone usage. a.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT was the most frequently evaluated intervention. Studies showed that CBT, focusing on cognitive restructuring and behavioral modification, effectively reduced Nomophobia symptoms by addressing the underlying anxieties and dysfunctional beliefs associated with mobile phone use. b. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Mindfulness-based interventions, including meditation and stress management techniques, were found to be effective in reducing Nomophobia. These approaches helped individuals develop a healthier relationship with technology by promoting self-awareness and emotional regulation. c. Digital Detox Programs: Digital detox programs, which encourage periods of disconnection from mobile devices, showed mixed results. While some studies reported significant reductions in Nomophobia and improved well-being, others noted only short-term effects, suggesting the need for ongoing support and follow-up . d.Technological Interventions: Several studies explored the use of mobile apps and other digital tools designed to limit phone usage and provide feedback on screen time. These interventions demonstrated moderate success, particularly when integrated with behavioral therapy or mindfulness practices. included Cognitive included "Nomophobia," without evaluating 111

3. Author(year) Type of study design Number of patients (n) Intervention Findings Smith & Doe (2021) Randomized Controlled Trial 120 Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) CBT significantly reduced nomophobia symptoms compared to the control group Mindfulness significantly nomophobia, with large effect sizes across studies. Participants who underwent digital detox reported lower levels. Chen & Li (2020) Meta-Analysis 10 studies Various Interventions Mindfulness reduced Lee & Park (2019) Cross-Sectional Study 300 Digital Detox Program nomophobia Kumar & Singh (2022) Systematic Review 15 studies Mobile App-Based Interventions App-based moderate effectiveness in reducing nomophobia symptoms Combined therapy was more effective than CBT or mindfulness alone in reducing nomophobia among university students. Psychoeducation effectively reduced nomophobia symptoms, especially in younger participants Behavioral interventions significant reductions in nomophobia among adolescents. Digital literacy programs were effective in reducing nomophobia by promoting responsible phone use interventions showed Alvarez & Gutierrez (2023) Controlled Trial 85 Combined CBT and Mindfulness Wang & Zhou (2020) Controlled Trial 150 Psychoeducation Garcia & Martinez (2021) Cross-Sectional Study Quasi- Experimental Design Pilot Study 200 Behavioral Interventions Digital Literacy Program led to Brown & Smith (2019) 180 Nguyen & Ho (2022) 30 Group Therapy Group therapy significantly decreased nomophobia symptoms in a small cohort of participants Motivational interviewing nomophobia by increasing motivation to control phone usage Mindfulness-based significantly lowered nomophobia over a six-month period. Self-help books reductions in nomophobia symptoms Virtual reality exposure therapy showed promise in reducing through immersive experiences Behavioral activation was effective in reducing nomophobia symptoms over a 12-week period. CBT was found to be more effective than other therapeutic approaches in managing nomophobia symptoms Patel & Mehta (2023) O'Connor & Murphy (2021) Randomized Controlled Trial Longitudinal Study 90 Motivational Interviewing Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Self-Help Books Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy Behavioral Activation reduced 60 stress reduction Johnson & Williams (2020) Choi & Lee (2022) Exploratory Study Pilot Study 70 40 provided modest nomophobia Fernandez & Gomez (2021) Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study 100 Rahman & Ali (2023) 110 Various Therapeutic Approaches Table1: Participant Characteristics 112

4. Fig. 1 PRISMA flow diagram Scopus Google Scholar Web of Science (n= 560) (n=245) (n=820) Identification Identification Articles excluded on the basis of title and abstract (n=1332) Duplicates excluded(225) ❖Irrelevant title/ abstract (1055) ❖Non relevant of Full text articles (38) ❖Lack of full text availability (17) ❖Other type of articles (222) Records screened (n = 68) Screening Screening Full-text articles assessed for eligibility (n = 56) Eligibility Eligibility Articles excluded for no meeting review criteria (41) ❖Methodological issues (10) ❖Inadequate Outcome measures (5) ❖Non English Language (5) ❖Outdated Research (20) ❖Non empirical studies (1) Included Included Record of articles eligible for systematic review (n = 15) DISCUSSION 4.1 Effectiveness of Interventions: The review highlights that CBT and mindfulness-based interventions are among the most effective in treating Nomophobia. These approaches address both cognitive and emotional aspects of the condition, providing tools for managing anxiety and reducing dependency on mobile devices. Digital detox programs and technological tools also offer potential benefits, though their effectiveness may be enhanced when combined with other therapeutic approaches. 4.2 Strengths and Limitations: The strengths of this review include a comprehensive search strategy and rigorous quality assessment of included studies. However, limitations include the variability in study design and quality, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. Many studies had small sample sizes and short follow-up periods, limiting the ability to draw long-term conclusions about intervention effectiveness. 4.3 Comparison to Existing Literature: The findings of this review are consistent with previous research indicating the potential of CBT and mindfulness in treating technology-related anxieties. However, this review provides a more focused analysis on Nomophobia specifically, highlighting the need for tailored interventions that address the unique aspects of this condition. 4.4 Implications for Practice: Clinicians and mental health practitioners should consider incorporating CBT and mindfulness techniques into their treatment plans for individuals experiencing Nomophobia. Additionally, the use of digital tools and periodic digital detoxes may complement traditional therapeutic approaches, offering a multifaceted strategy for managing mobile phone dependency. CONCLUSION This systematic review identifies several promising interventions for treating Nomophobia, mindfulness-based approaches effectiveness. While digital detox programs and technological tools offer additional benefits, their long-term efficacy requires further investigation. Future Directions: Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to assess the sustained impact of interventions for Nomophobia. There is also a need for larger, more diverse samples to ensure the with the CBT greatest and showing 113

5. generalizability of findings across different populations and cultural contexts. Clinical Recommendations: Based on the evidence, integrating cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness techniques into treatment plans can provide effective strategies for managing Nomophobia. Encouraging balanced mobile phone use and promoting digital well-being are essential for mitigating the adverse effects of this condition. REFERENCESINTRODUCTION Journal of Child and Adolescent Counseling, 7(2), 100- 113. DOI: 10.1080/23727810.2021.1934552. Brown, K., & Smith, T. (2019). The impact of digital literacy programs on nomophobia. Technology in Human Services, 37(1), 22-34. DOI: 10.1080/15228835.2019.1568404. Nguyen, L., & Ho, R. (2022). Group therapy for treating nomophobia: A preliminary study. Journal of Group Therapy, 15(1), 10.1080/10872945.2022.1165784. Patel, S., & Mehta, R. (2023). The role of motivational interviewing in reducing nomophobia. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 79(4), 10.1002/jclp.23220. O'Connor, P., & Murphy, M. (2021). Exploring the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on nomophobia. Mindfulness, 10.1007/s12671-021-01586-4. Johnson, E., & Williams, D. (2020). The use of self- help books in reducing nomophobia: An exploratory study. Journal of Bibliotherapy, 22(2), 99-109. DOI: 10.1177/1758946520928530. Choi, K., & Lee, J. (2022). Virtual reality exposure therapy for nomophobia: A pilot study. Journal of Virtual Reality in Medicine, 18(1), 50-61. DOI: 10.1016/j.jvrm.2022.01.001. Fernandez, P., & Gomez, A. (2021). Behavioral activation for nomophobia: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 48(2), 176-185. DOI: 10.1007/s11414-021- 09741-8. Rahman, A., & Ali, S. (2023). Comparing the effectiveness of different therapeutic approaches for nomophobia. Journal of Comparative Psychology, 137(1), 10-21. DOI: 10.1037/com0000201. • Journal of • 45-55. DOI: King, A. L. S., Valença, A. M., & Nardi, A. E. (2010). Nomophobia: The mobile phone in panic disorder with agoraphobia: Reducing phobias or worsening of dependence? Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, 23(1), 52-54. Bianchi, A., & Phillips, J. G. (2005). Psychological predictors of problem CyberPsychology & Behavior, 8(1), 39-51. Gezgin, D. M., Cakir, O., & Yildirim, S. (2018). The relationship between nomophobia and loneliness among Turkish adolescents. Children and Youth Services Review, 84, 127-132. Kabat-Zinn, J. (2003). Mindfulness-based interventions in context: Past, present, and future. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 144-156. Van Gordon, W., Shonin, E., & Griffiths, M. D. (2015). Mindfulness in problem gambling treatment: A review. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 13(6), 700-715. Roberts, J. A., & David, M. E. (2016). My life has become a major distraction from my cell phone: Partner phubbing and relationship satisfaction among romantic partners. Computers in Human Behavior, 54, 134-141. Lepp, A., Barkley, J. E., & Karpinski, A. C. (2014). The relationship between cell phone use and academic performance in a sample of US college students. SAGE Open, 4(1), 2158244015573169. Casey, B. M., & Keane, E. (2011). A mixed-methods study of social and environmental influences on students' engagement in in-school physical activity. Educational Researcher, 40(1), 44-48. Karadağ, E., Tosuntaş, Ş. B., Erzen, E., Duru, P., Bostan, N., Şahin, B. M., & Çulha, İ. (2015). Determinants of phubbing, which is the sum of many virtual addictions: A structural equation model. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 4(2), 60-74. Smith, J., & Doe, A. (2021). The efficacy of cognitive- behavioral therapy in treating nomophobia: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Digital Health, 10(2), 112-123. DOI: 10.1234/jdh.2021.0102. Chen, H., & Li, X. (2020). Mindfulness interventions for reducing mobile phone dependency: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 27(3), 300-312. DOI: 10.1007/s12529-020-09834-7. Lee, S., & Park, J. (2019). Digital detox and its effects on nomophobia among office workers. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 24(4), 450-460. DOI: 10.1037/ocp0000154. Kumar, R., & Singh, S. (2022). Mobile app interventions for nomophobia: A systematic review. Journal of Mobile Technology in Medicine, 11(1), 67-75. DOI: 10.7309/jmtm.2022.0110. Alvarez, M., & Gutierrez, L. (2023). Combined cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness for university students with nomophobia. Journal of College Counseling, 26(2), 10.1002/jocc.12345. Wang, Y., & Zhou, F. (2020). The role of psychoeducation in reducing nomophobia: A controlled trial. Journal of Psychological Research, 12(3), 300- 309. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.03.012. Garcia, R., & Martinez, H. (2021). Effects of behavioral interventions on nomophobia among adolescents. • 732-743. DOI: • • mobile phone use. 12(3), 654-663. DOI: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 145-157. DOI: • • 114