Phantom Vibration and Ringing is Linked to Poor Emotional Intelligence and Anxiety among Undergraduates
Download as PDF
DOI: 10.25236/icatpe.2019.005
Author(s)
Zhao Qiankun, Zhou Ling, Wang Lijun
Corresponding Author
Wang Lijun
Abstract
Mobile phone use has been linked to phantom vibration and ringing; however, the role that it plays in the mental health of young adults, who are known to be heavy users of mobile phones, remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore the prevalence of phantom vibration and ringing among undergraduates and examine the relationship between phantom vibration and ringing, emotional intelligence, and anxiety. Accordingly, a survey was conducted with 311 Chinese undergraduates who responded to a questionnaire about phantom vibration and ringing, and assessments that measure emotional intelligence and anxiety. The results showed that more than half the sample and approximately 37% of the participants had experienced phantom vibration and ringing, respectively. Although a large percentage of the undergraduate sample did not find phantom vibration and ringing to be bothersome, some students reported that it caused them anxiety. Taken together, these results suggest that excessive phone use might lead to misinterpretations of sensory signals. These findings serve as an evidence-based cautionary note against excessive reliance on mobile phones.
Keywords
Phantom vibration; Phantom ringing; Emotional intelligence; Anxiety; College students