Turkish adaptation of the Smartphone Distraction Scale (SDS)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to adapt the Smartphone Distraction Scale to Turkish and to examine its psychometric properties. The participants of the study consisted of a community sample of 399 people, 288 (72.2%) women and 111 (27.8%) men, aged between 18-60 (27.14±10.89). In data collection, Sociodemographic Form (SF), Smartphone Distraction Scale-Turkish Version (SDS), Bergen Social Media Scale (BSMS), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), Current Symptoms Scale (CSS), and Perceived Multitasking Scale (PMS) were used. The data were analyzed through Cronbach alpha internal consistency coefficient, Pearson product-moment correlation test, item-total score correlation coefficients, confirmatory factor analysis to estimate the construct validity of the scale. Considering the internal consistency reliability of the scale, the Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient was found to be .88 for attention/impulsivity, .80 for alertness, .76 for multitasking, and .76 for emotion regulation. The item and total score correlation coefficients of the scale items were found to be between 0.49 and 0.76. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the 16-item and four-factor structure of the scale. The correlation of SDS with BSMAS, ERQ, CSS, and PMS was found to be statistically significant. The results of the research show that the SDS adapted to Turkish culture is a valid and reliable measurement tool that can be used in academic studies and clinical settings.

Keywords

• smartphone distraction scale
• validity
• reliability
• smartphone
• distractibility
• multitasking
• social media addiction
• emotion regulation