Search

Abstract: Aims: Smartphones are an integral part of our lives. Therefore, it is essential to identify risk factors for problematic usage. This study explores the relationship between two personality traits, namely the ability to delay gratification and the tendency to maximize, and problematic smartphone usage (PSN). The actual smartphone usage behavior, including social media usage, is considered. Method: Participants answered the scale assessing individual maximization tendency, the German translation of the Delaying Gratification Inventory, and the Smartphone Addiction Scale. Data from a total of 370 individuals were included in the analysis. A subsample of 128 participants additionally provided smartphone usage data over seven days. Statistical analyses were conducted using the free software jamovi. Results: In the overall sample, it is evident that the ability to delay gratification (β = –.33) and individual tendency to maximize (β =.45) each serve as predictors for PSN. Usage data from the subsample indicate that both the ability to delay gratification (β = –.24) and the tendency to maximize (β =.21) have a significant impact on the proportion of social media usage but not on the overall duration of smartphone usage. Conclusions: These findings provide starting points for measures to promote healthy smartphone usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]