Grit as a protective factor against Nomophobia: Moderating effects of maximizing decision style

Title

Grit as a protective factor against Nomophobia: Moderating effects of maximizing decision style

Creator

Kalia, Kriti; Rajan, Santhosh Kareepadath

Description

The present study examined the role of grit and decision-making styles in predicting nomophobia among young adults, considering gender and educational differences. The study also tested whether decision-making styles moderated the association between grit and nomophobia. Using a cross-sectional ex-post facto correlational design, data were collected using purposive sampling technique from 323 young adults (aged 1725) through online platforms. Participants completed the Three-Dimensional Grit Scale, the Maximizing Inventory, and the Nomophobia Questionnaire. Chi-square test showed that there was an association between gender and education. Mann-Whitney U test showed that men were higher in grit than women. Men and women did not differ in nomophobia or decision-making styles. Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA showed that grit, nomophobia, or decision-making styles did not differ concerning education. Spearmans correlation analysis showed that grit had a moderate positive correlation with satisficing. Nomophobia had a weak negative correlation with grit and a moderate positive correlation with Maximizing. Regression analysis showed grit as a negative predictor and Maximizing a positive predictor of nomophobia. Moderation analysis indicated that Maximizing style weakened the protective effect of grit on nomophobia, accounting for a small but significant variance in outcomes. The study highlights the interactive role of grit and decision-making styles in understanding nomophobia. Findings suggest that grit alone is insufficient as a protective factor against nomophobia. Its effectiveness depends on decision-making styles, with Maximizing acting as a risk enhancer. 2026 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Source

Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment;

Date

01-01-2026

Publisher

Routledge

Subject

decision-making styles; emerging adults; Grit; maximizing/satisficing; nomophobia

Coverage

Kalia K., School of Psychological Sciences, Christ University, Bangalore, India; Rajan S.K., School of Psychological Sciences, Christ University, Bangalore, India

Rights

Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library

Relation

ISSN: 10911359;

Format

online

Language

English

Type

Article

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2026.2644376

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105032858615?origin=resultslist