Relationship between Self-compassion and Symptoms of Psychosomatic Disorders Mediated by Smartphone Addiction in University Students

Introduction: The use of various information technologies such as smartphones has substantially increased in recent decades and has directly affected human health. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-compassion and symptoms of psychosomatic disorders mediated by smartphone addiction in university students. Methods: This research was applied in terms of purpose and correlational descriptive study in terms of the data collection method. The study population consisted of all students studying in the academic year of 2020-2021 at Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz Branch, among whom 254 individuals were selected using convenience sampling. The data were collected using Neff ’s Self-Compassion Scale, Somatic Symptoms Experiences Questionnaire (SSEQ), and Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS); the collected data were analyzed using path analysis. Results: The results showed a direct relationship between self-compassion and smartphone addiction (β=-0.32, P=0.001) and a significant relationship between smartphone addiction and symptoms of psychosomatic disorders (β=0.34, P=0.001). Smartphone addiction was directly associated with symptoms of psychosomatic disorders in the participants (β=-0.11, P=0.041). In addition, smartphone addiction fully mediated the relationship between self compassion and symptoms of psychosomatic disorders (β=-0.28, P=0.001). Conclusion: According to the results, the proposed model had a good fit. Therefore, authorities can organize training programs to improve self-compassion in young people, thereby helping them overcome their smartphone addiction. This can consequently reduce symptoms of psychosomatic disorders in these individuals.