Development and Psychometric Validation of Phubbing Behavior Scale (PBS) among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62843/jssr.v6i2.777Keywords:
Phubbing, Smartphone Use, Scale Development, Validation, Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Digital Well-Being, University StudentsAbstract
The present study sought to develop, validate, and investigate the psychometric properties of a phubbing behavior scale (PBS). The present study involved a two-phase study. Phase I involved the generation of an initial pool of 62 items, based on a wide-ranging literature review and relevant theoretical frameworks, such as Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), the Social Norms Theory, the Social Learning Theory, Expectancy Violation Theory, Digital Displacement Theory, and theories surrounding addiction and self-control. Content validity was determined according to the experts' evaluation and pre-tested to assess the items concerning clarity and comprehensibility. Following this, the same scale was applied to 565 University students (215 males and 350 females), aged 18 to 27 years, through a convenience sampling method. The factor structure of the scale was confirmed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA). Factor analysis confirmed a 43-item scale that included 10 factors. The PBS was positively associated with the Fear of Missing Out Scale and showed higher convergent validity. Divergent validity was established through the Digital Well-Being Scale, showing no relationship. Researchers, educators, and mental health professionals have a culturally relevant tool to explore the nature and psychological and social implications of phubbing behavior with the scale.
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