Mobile phones and minds: linking usage to stress and academic performance in undergraduates

Umme Ruman Maladar; Vijaya S. Dandannavar

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20253954

Authors

Umme Ruman Maladar Department of Physiology, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
Vijaya S. Dandannavar Department of Physiology, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belagavi, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20253954

Keywords:

Academic performance, Health sciences students, Mobile phone usage, Psychological well-being, Stress

Abstract

Background: Mobile phones have become ubiquitous among students, providing easy access to communication and information. However, excessive use has been associated with negative outcomes, including decreased academic performance and increased psychological stress. Understanding the relationship between mobile phone usage, stress and academic achievement is essential to promote healthy study habits and overall well-being among undergraduate students.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 110 first-year Allied Health and Physiotherapy students from JN Medical College, Belagavi, who provided informed consent. Participants completed a structured questionnaire detailing demographic information, mobile phone usage patterns and study habits. Academic performance was assessed using self-reported grades and recent examination scores, while stress levels were evaluated using a standardized stress assessment scale.

Results: Students reporting higher daily mobile phone usage exhibited significantly lower academic performance compared with those with limited usage (p<0.05). Additionally, frequent mobile phone use was associated with elevated stress levels, suggesting a direct relationship between screen time, psychological stress and learning outcomes. Students who managed mobile phone usage effectively demonstrated better academic scores and lower stress, highlighting the potential impact of controlled use on educational achievement and mental health.

Conclusions: Excessive mobile phone usage among undergraduates is linked to poorer academic performance and higher stress levels. Awareness and strategies to regulate mobile phone use may help improve learning outcomes and reduce stress in this population.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

References

Samaha M, Hawi NS. Relationships among smartphone addiction, stress, academic performance and satisfaction with life. Comput Human Behav. 2016;57:321-5.

Alhazmi AA, Alzahrani SH, Baig M, Salawati EM, Alkatheri A. Prevalence and factors associated with smartphone addiction among medical students at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah. Pak J Med Sci. 2018;34(4):984-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.344.15294

Elhai JD, Levine JC, Hall BJ. Problematic smartphone use and mental health problems: current state of research and future directions. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2019;21(3):255-62. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14744/DAJPNS.2019.00001

Lakhani P, Tandon OP. Auditory and visual reaction times in patients of major depressive disorder. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2015;59(2):151-6.

Davey S, Davey A. Assessment of smartphone addiction in Indian adolescents: a mixed-method study. Int J Prev Med. 2014;5(12):1500-11.

Sun R, Mao J, Zeng P, Chen S. Mobile phone addiction and learning engagement: the mediating role of physical activity. BMC Public Health. 2024;2:21250.

Li Y, Yang L, Zhang H. Mobile phone use and academic performance among university students in China: the role of usage patterns. Front Psychol. 2025;16:1474340.

Lepp A, Barkley JE, Karpinski AC. The relationship between cell phone use, academic performance, anxiety and satisfaction with life in college students. Comp Human Behav. 2014;31:343–50.

Li X, Liu X, Zhang Y. The effects of mobile phone use on academic performance: A meta-analysis. Comp Edu. 2025;174:104314.

Sun Y, Zhang Y, Wang L. The effects of mobile phone addiction on learning engagement of college students: The mediating role of physical activity and academic self-efficacy. BMC Public Health. 2024;24:1221.

Alhazmi A, Alghamdi S, Alzahrani A. Prevalence and factors associated with smartphone addiction among medical students. J Fam Med Prim Care. 2018;7(6):1320–4.

Kolhar M, Douris P, Jung M. Screen time and university students’ life: Exploring the impact of screen time on sleep quality, mental health and academic performance. Asian Pac J Med Educ. 2021;11(1):1–10.

Casale S, Fioravanti G, Rugai L. Psychological processes linking problematic smartphone use to sleep disturbances and academic performance. J Behav Addict. 2021;10(2):352–61.

Sharma MK, Sharma R. Cognitive and psychological issues in postural tachycardia syndrome. J Clin Neurosci. 2014;21(3):405–9.

Samaha M, Hawi NS. Relationships among smartphone addiction, stress, academic performance and satisfaction with life. Comput Human Behav. 2016;57:321–5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.12.045

Lepp A, Barkley JE, Karpinski AC. The relationship between cell phone use, academic performance, anxiety and satisfaction with life in college students. Comput Human Behav. 2014;31:343–50. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2013.10.049

Thomée S, Härenstam A, Hagberg M. Mobile phone use and stress, sleep disturbances and symptoms of depression among young adults—a prospective cohort study. BMC Public Health. 2011;11:66. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-11-66

Walsh SP, White KM, Young RM. Needing to connect: The effect of self and others on young people’s involvement with their mobile phones. Australas J Psychol. 2008;60(4):194–203. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00049530903567229