The mediating role of life satisfaction in the relationship between basic psychological needs and phubbing

As smartphones have become an integral part of daily life, phubbing which directs individuals' attention to digital devices during social interactions, is becoming increasingly prevalent. This behavior can negatively impact the social relationships and quality of life of young adults in particular. The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating role of life satisfaction in the relationship between basic psychological needs and phubbing behavior. A correlational survey model based on a quantitative research approach was used in this study. The study sample consisted of 528 young adults at Çukurova University and Çağ University. The Psychological Needs Scale was used to measure the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, the General Phubbing Scale was used to measure the frequency of phubbing behavior, and the Adult Life Satisfaction Scale was used to measure life satisfaction. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis and PROCESS Macro Model 4 developed by Hayes for SPSS. The analyses revealed a negative relationship between basic psychological needs and phubbing behavior, and a positive relationship between life satisfaction. Additionally, a negative relationship was found between life satisfaction and phubbing behavior. Mediation analysis revealed a mediating effect of life satisfaction on the relationship between basic psychological needs and phubbing behavior.