Individual and Environmental Predictors of Psychological Distress Among University Students

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the predicting role of individual (impulsivity and instant gratification) and environmental (smartphone distraction) predictors of psychological distress among university students. The study involved 375 university students aged 18-28 from public, private, and semi-government universities, comprising 139 males and 236 females, using a cross-sectional correlational research design. The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) (Barratt, 1994), Delaying Gratification Scale (Hoerger et al., 2011), and Smartphone Distraction Scale (Throuvala et al., 2021), and Kessler’s Psychological Distress Scale (Kessler et al., 2003) were used to assess the constructs along with a demographic information sheet and informed consent. Pearson Product Moment Correlation revealed that impulsivity, instant gratification, and smartphone distraction were significantly positively correlated with psychological distress. The regression analyses revealed that a subscale of impulsivity (attentional impulsivity) and a subscale of smartphone distraction (online vigilance) significantly predicted psychological distress. T-test analyses also found significant differences in impulsivity, smartphone distraction, and psychological distress among students who were distracted compared to those who weren’t, with gender differences also showing significant differences. Students with mental health issues also showed disparities in psychological discomfort, impulsivity, instant gratification, and smartphone distraction compared to their peers without mental health issues. This study emphasizes the importance of considering the dynamic relationship between impulsivity, instant gratification, smartphone distraction, and psychological factors to minimize their negative impact on psychological health.