Network Structure of Nomophobia, Fear of Missing Out, Mindful Attention, and Happiness Among University Students

Nomophobia, fear of missing out (FoMO), mindful attention, and happiness are interconnected psychological constructs, yet their interdependencies remain poorly understood, particularly in Arab-speaking contexts. Using network analysis (EBICglasso), this cross-sectional study examined these associations in 462 Omani college students across a 56-node, four-community network. Centrality indices (strength, expected influence) and bridge expected influence were calculated, with stability assessed via bootstrapping and gender differences examined using the Network Comparison Test. Results revealed strong within-community connections and notable cross-community links. Mindful attention showed positive associations with nomophobia and FoMO but negative associations with happiness. Happiness and mindful attention emerged as the most central constructs, while FoMO and mindful attention showed the strongest bridge associations across network communities. Stability coefficients exceeded the recommended 0.50 threshold, and no significant gender differences emerged in network structure or global strength. These findings highlight the complexity of the associations among mindful attention, nomophobia, FoMO, and happiness and suggest that the role of mindful attention may vary across contexts. The identified central and bridge constructs warrant further investigation as potential areas of focus in future digital well-being research.