Rumination in Problematic Smartphone Use (1 CE)

This course is for:  Clinical Psychologists, Counselors, LMFTs

Course By:  Joel Austin, PharmD & Kristin Ceppaluni, LMHC

Content By: Elhai, J., and Tiamayu M., and Weeks J. (2017). Depression and anxiety in relation to problematic smartphone use: The prominent role of rumination. Internet Research 28, 2. 

Course Description:  Recent studies on problematic smartphone use (also known as smartphone addiction) have evidenced a link between overuse and depression and anxiety.  This review focused on the mental health effects in correlation to problematic smartphone usage.  Addictive tendencies were found to be an issue for 46% of all people questioned in a Pew study (Smith and Page, 2015, Apr 1).  Researchers tested whether or not rumination was one of the leading factors in smartphone-related depressive symptoms. Positive reinforcement models can develop as a process of mood enhancement and can lead to compulsive behaviors.  Additional effects such as extraversion and impulsivity can result, and these effects may lead to increased introversion, depression, and anxiety.  Researchers found that depression severity was consistently related to problematic smartphone use severity.  Anxiety and stress were also found to be related, but in smaller effect sizes. Researchers further posit that additional study into causal pathways is warranted. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the 1 aim of the study and the methods related to the psychopathological effects of problematic smartphone use and rumination regarding depression and anxiety as examined in the article
2. Understand the range between normal and excessive smartphone usage and how pronounced overuse can lead to negative psychological effects as evidenced by the results of this study
3. Become familiar with the various tests, questionnaires, and variables used in the study and how they relate to psychopathology

Course Outline:  

• Read and understand Depression and social anxiety in relation to problematic cell phone use: The prominent role of rumination
• Review the Course Description and Learning Objectives
• Consider the factors related to smartphone overuse coupled with rumination and the statistical findings related to depression and anxiety revealed in the accompanying article
• Work through the post-test questions; keep in mind that answer selections should be derived from the respective article
• Return to the referenced article for any missed questions and/or to better understand the relationship between smartphone overuse and negative compulsive behaviors

Approvals: