Mobile phone use and psychopathology in trauma exposed individuals

Designing effective digital interventions for those with trauma-related psychopathology requires knowing how such individuals use their mobile device so that intervention design can be usercentered. This study (N=332) examined the relationship between mobile phone activity and PTSD symptoms in individuals with post-trauma psychopathology. Participants completed measures of trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms, and mobile phone use. Results indicated that greater engagement with mobile games, watching videos, and social media was associated with higher PTSD symptoms, with social media use showing a gender-specific effect. These findings can inform the design of digital interventions that leverage app-based engagement to support trauma-affected individuals.