- Nomophobia strongly associates with increased smartphone distraction (β = 0.29, p < 0.001).
- Smartphone distraction negatively correlates with intuitive eating (β = -0.10, p < 0.05), reducing intuitive eating levels.
- Smartphone distraction mediates the nomophobia intuitive eating relationship; nomophobia showed no direct effect (β = -0.01, p > 0.05).
Health Sci Rep. 2026 Oct 5;9(10):e73325. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.73325. eCollection 2026 Oct.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Significant apprehension has been triggered concerning various behavioral modalities in humans, including eating habits, which have been influenced by the increasing omnipresence of smartphone reliance. In fact, extreme digital interaction, known as nomophobia, disturbs both cognitive functions and behavioral regulation. To illustrate, smartphone distraction, which is characterized as the attentional intrusion stemming from screen mediation, plays a major role in adjusting nutritional intake. However, the processes driving these relationships have yet to be investigated. This study aims to understand the possible effect of smartphone-induced interference as a mechanism motivating the relationship between nomophobia and intuitive eating patterns among young citizens in Lebanon.
METHODS: A cross-sectional design was done, including 397 Lebanese people aged between 18 and 30 years. An online survey was completed involving validated scales. The latter measured nomophobia through a Nomophobia Questionnaire, device distraction through a Smartphone Distraction Scale, and intuitive eating through Intuitive Eating Scale-2.
RESULTS: Higher levels of nomophobia were knowingly associated with greater smartphone distraction (β = 0.29, p < 0.001). Device distraction displayed a negative correlation with intuitive eating (β = -0.10, p < 0.05), revealing that the greater the digital cognitive encroachment, the lower the intuitive eating levels. Remarkably, there was no direct consequence of nomophobia on intuitive eating (β = -0.01, p > 0.05). Mediation analysis showed that smartphone interference may statistically serve as an intermediary between nomophobia and intuitive eating. This suggests that amplified attentional disruptions might be driving their relationship.
CONCLUSION: Vigilant alimentary habits and reduced screen usage must be endorsed by public health initiatives among young adults vulnerable to device overconsumption.
PMID:42835778 | PMC:PMC13635876 | DOI:10.1002/hsr2.73325
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