Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is an increasing global concern, particularly among young people, and emotional factors can play a crucial role in PSU. This study investigated the relationships between loneliness, body attitudes, PSU, and smartphone deprivation (withdrawal) feelings using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. A total of 697 Hungarian participants (74.8% female, Mage = 23.51 ± 7.26) completed the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale, the Loneliness Scale, the Body Attitude Test, the Smartphone Withdrawal Symptom Scale, and demographic questions. The results revealed that loneliness was positively related to PSU and smartphone deprivation, with body attitude mediating these relationships. Age was a protective factor since older individuals reported less PSU and feelings of deprivation. While an alternative non-mediated model yielded a comparable fit, the mediated model provided a more thorough perspective. Overall, the findings suggest a potentially vicious cycle in which loneliness, negative body attitude, and PSU reinforce one another, with feelings of smartphone deprivation further exacerbating PSU. This cycle not only deepens psychological distress but also underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to enhance body image and social well-being as a means of mitigating PSU. Given the broader implications, further empirical research, particularly cross-cultural validation, is essential to ensure the findings apply across diverse populations and inform globally relevant strategies.

Physical inactivity is a growing problem that contributes to a range of negative health consequences, such as psychological and physical issues and weight gain. Recent evidence suggests that the tendency to avoid physical activity is associated with weight stigma and low (body-related) self-esteem. New cross-culturally validated psychometric scales for assessing nonparticipation in physical activity could help researchers and practitioners better understand the psychosocial factors contributing to avoidance of physical activity and for the more efficient promotion of an active lifestyle. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian Tendency to Avoid Physical Activity and Sport Scale (TAPAS) by conducting a confirmatory factor analysis and calculating the scale’s internal consistency and convergent/ discriminant validity. An Italian sample (N = 235; 57.4% females, Mage = 35.17 years; SD = ±10.83) participated in an online survey. The measures included the TAPAS, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale–21, Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire, Body Esteem Scale, and Exercise Addiction Inventory–Revised. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis supported a first-order one-factor scale, and the TAPAS showed good internal consistency. Additionally, the TAPAS was positively associated with body mass index, weight stigma, anxiety, stress, and depression; it was negatively associated with self-esteem and body self-esteem. The results suggest that the TAPAS is a psychometrically reliable and valid measure for assessing the tendency to avoid physical activity and sport among Italian-speaking individuals. The study also expands the knowledge of psychosocial factors involved in avoiding sports and participation in physical activity.

Problematic smartphone use (PSU) and problematic social media use (PSMU) have become major behavioural issues, especially concerning their association with loneliness. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted with 785 Italian adults (82.00% female, Mage = 33.80 years), who completed validated measures of loneliness, fear of missing out (FoMO), social media-related escapism, PSMU, and PSU. The hypothesised model showed excellent fit indices. Loneliness was positively associated with both FoMO (β = 0.849) and escapism (β = 0.528). Moreover, FoMO and escapism were significantly associated with both PSMU (β = 0.622 and β = 0.457, respectively) and PSU (β = 0.604 and β = 0.435, respectively). Importantly, the indirect effects were significant, whereas the direct paths from loneliness to both PSU and PSMU were non-significant, a pattern consistent with a possible full mediation. Indirect effects through FoMO and escapism were significant for both outcomes. Time spent on social media was a strong predictor of PSU and PSMU, while gender and age were not. Findings highlight FoMO and escapism as important psychological factors-associating loneliness with harmful technology use. These processes work both separately and together, providing possible targets for interventions to mitigate PSU and PSMU. The results improve theoretical models of technology overuse and stress the need to address emotional and cognitive vulnerabilities in prevention strategies.