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This study examined the relationship between nomophobia and compulsive smartphone use (CSU) among South Korean university students, focusing on the mediating role of impulsivity and the moderating role of self-esteem. Data were collected via an online survey of 340 students between February 1 and March 30, 2021 and analyzed using SPSS 27.0 and Hayes’s PROCESS macro. Results revealed that nomophobia positively predicts CSU, with impulsivity mediating this relationship. Moreover, self-esteem moderated the link between impulsivity and CSU, indicating that higher self-esteem may moderate against CSU. These findings suggest the potential value of self-esteem interventions in reducing problematic smartphone use. This study contributes to the understanding of nomophobia and its psychological mechanisms, highlighting the need for further research on protective factors against CSU.
Hyun Jee Park (Sat,) studied this question.