The Italian version of the mobile phone problematic use scale for adults (MPPUS): A validation study

Abstract

The Mobile Phone Problematic Use Scale (MPPUS) is a self-report measure developed to identify the problematic use of mobile phones (PSU) among adults. The purpose of this study was to create an Italian version of this scale. A sample of 568 Italian adults completed the MPPUS, presented in association with another validated scale for the assessment of smartphone addiction.We carried out exploratory factor analyses on the MPPUS. Findings emphasised that the Italian version of the MPPUS fits a bi-factor model, in which the general factor ‘PSU’ was found, including two additional specific factors (i.e., ‘Withdrawal and social aspects’ and ‘Craving and escape from other problems’).The MPPUS was correlated with the Smartphone Addiction Scale short version. With respect to criterion-oriented validity, the MMPUS was also evaluated in relation to socio-demographic variables (i.e., age and gender). The internal consistency and temporal stability of the scales (test–retest assessment after three months) were confirmed.

Keywords

• Smartphone addiction
• Problematic use of mobile phones (PSU)
• Withdrawal
• Craving
• Adults
• Questionnaire