Abstract Background: In recent times, there has been a growing acknowledgment of the frequency and consequences of suicidal ideation and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among college students. Smartphone Addiction (SMPA) is a key factor contributing to the development of these severe issues. Aim: The primary aim of the current study was to assess the significant correlation between SMPA, suicidal ideation, and NSSI. In addition, to investigate whether self-concealment plays a mediating role in the relationship among these variables among university students. Materials and Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional design with a retrospective approach, including a total of 140 college students, encompassing both males and females aged 18–25, were selected through a convenience sampling technique. Statistical Analysis: The study performed descriptive analysis, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and Hayes’ process macro model 4. Results: Findings from the study indicate that SMPA has a significant relationship with self-concealment ( r = 0.456, P < 0.01), suicidal ideation ( r = 0.239, P < 0.01), and NSSI ( r = 0.462, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the results of the mediation analysis revealed that the direct effect of SMPA on suicidal ideation was nonsignificant (β =0.0869, t = 1.3094). However, the indirect effect through self-concealment was significant (β =0.1221, t = 3.9514). In contrast, the direct effect of SMPA on NSSI was significant (β =0.2006, t = 4.8021). Similarly, the indirect effect through self-concealment was also significant (β =0.0786, t = 3.4933). Conclusions: The findings of the research are examined in alignment with the existing body of literature, and the significance of these findings is discussed within both theoretical and clinical frameworks.
Raghav et al. (Thu,) studied this question.