Predictors of Phubbing in Young Adults: Assessing the Role of Public Speaking Anxiety and Social Approval

This study was conducted to determine phubbing, public speaking anxiety, and the need for social approval among young adults. This study was conducted using a cross-sectional design. The study was completed with 1,063 young adults aged 18-26 from various cities in Turkey. Data were collected using a personal information form, the General Phubbing Scale, the Public Speaking Anxiety Scale, and the Need for Social Approval Scale. Multiple linear regression analysis and linear regression analysis were used to analyse the data. According to the results of multiple linear regression analysis, the model explains 39.5% of the variance in public speaking anxiety and is statistically significant (p < 0.001). It has been determined that the level of phubbing is positively and significantly related to public speaking anxiety and the need for social approval. An increase in phubbing scores is associated with an increase in public speaking anxiety and social approval need scores. Furthermore, phubbing explains 14.1% of the variance in social approval need and significantly predicts this variable (p < 0.001). This study demonstrates that phubbing behaviour in young adults is associated with public speaking anxiety and the need for social approval. An increase in phubbing negatively impacts both variables. The findings indicate that a decrease in face-to-face communication may have significant effects on the psychological well-being of young adults. Accordingly, it is recommended that young adults engage in social activities and receive information aimed at reducing phubbing.