The Effect of Avoidant Attachment on College Students’ Mobile Phone Dependence: The Mediating Role of Intolerance of Uncertainty

Key Points

• This research aims to investigate the mechanisms through which avoidant attachment affects mobile phone dependence among college students, emphasizing the role of intolerance of uncertainty.
• A theoretical model was constructed based on attachment theory, compensatory internet use theory, and uncertainty management theory.
• Data was collected through questionnaires using the Mobile Phone Addiction Tendencies Scale (MPATS), Experiences in Close Relationships Scale (ECR), and the 12-item Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS-12) from 228 college students.
• Statistical analysis was performed to assess the relationships between avoidant attachment, intolerance of uncertainty, and mobile phone dependence.
• Avoidant attachment significantly positively predicts mobile phone dependence.
• Intolerance of uncertainty plays a partial mediating role between avoidant attachment and mobile phone dependence.