Abstract:

This research aims to understand the mediating role of rumination in the relationship between nomophobia and depression levels among university students. The study's participant group consists of 529 university students, 300 (57%) female, and 219 (43%) male, all registered at the Faculty of Education at Selçuk University as of April 2023. A Personal Information Form, Interpersonal Rumination Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory for University Students were utilized. The proposed model's direct and indirect effects were analyzed using Hayes's Process macro and bootstrapping technique. The study employed a cross-sectional model to examine the distribution and relationships of variables. The results of the research reveal significant relationships among nomophobia, rumination, and depression. It was determined that rumination plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between nomophobia levels and depression. The findings suggest that an increase in nomophobia and rumination levels among university students may contribute to an escalation in depression. Conversely, an increase in depression may lead to elevated levels of rumination and nomophobia. The study's results contribute substantially to understanding the intricate relationships between young adults' use of digital technology and their psychological well-being, providing a foundational guide for interventions in this field.

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