Nomophobia Questionnaire — Chinese Version

The Chinese Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-C) was revised by Ren Shixiu and colleagues from Yildirim and Correia's NMP-Q. Nomophobia, short for 'no mobile phone phobia,' means anxiety and fear when a phone is unavailable or cannot be used. Its 16 items cover 4 areas: losing access to information, convenience, communication, and internet connection. It assesses psychological phone dependence, identifies specific manifestations of nomophobia, supports research on dependence and mental health, and evaluates interventions.

NMP-C uses seven response points, from not at all true (1) to completely true (7), for a total of 16–112. There is no established cutoff, but descriptive categories based on average scores are: <48 (average <3), mild or no fear; 48–80 (average 3–5), moderate fear; >80 (average >5), severe fear. Higher scores indicate greater nomophobia. Dimensions cover information access (3 items: missing news or updates), convenience (4 items: losing features such as payment or navigation), communication (4 items: being unable to contact others), and internet connection (5 items: being disconnected).

NMP-C suits smartphone users of all ages, particularly those anxious without their phone, concerned about overdependence, adolescents and college students at higher risk, and research participants assessing phones' mental health effects. It has good reliability and validity in Chinese populations and fits the Chinese cultural context. It assesses psychological dependence and fear, a different focus from addiction measures such as SAS-SV. It may not suit people who do not use smartphones or use them very little.

These are related but different. Nomophobia focuses on separation anxiety: fear and anxiety when a phone is absent or unavailable, an emotional response. Phone addiction focuses on uncontrolled, persistent overuse, a behavioral problem. They often coexist: addiction commonly brings nomophobia, and severe nomophobia can lead to addiction. But either can occur alone—someone may use a phone briefly yet panic without it, or use it extensively without feeling anxious when separated. Using NMP-C alongside SAS-SV gives a fuller view of dependence.

Try: ① Gradual exposure, starting with a short phone-free period such as 30 minutes and extending it. ② Cognitive reframing, questioning beliefs such as 'Something terrible will happen without my phone' and replacing them with more rational thoughts. ③ Reassurance through planning: tell important people when you may be unavailable to reduce worries about missed information. ④ Backup options such as paper maps, cash, or a watch. ⑤ Mindfulness: notice and accept anxiety without letting it control you. ⑥ More offline life through face-to-face contact, outdoor activities, and hobbies. ⑦ A fixed daily offline period, such as meals or before bed. If fear seriously affects life, consider professional support such as CBT.

Seek professional help for NMP-C >80 or if: ① Being without your phone causes severe anxiety, panic, or panic attacks. ② Fear seriously affects life, such as preventing outings or switching the phone off, or causing constant checking. ③ Other anxiety, including generalized or social anxiety, is present. ④ Repeated self-help attempts fail. ⑤ Phone dependence causes relationship conflict. ⑥ Worry about missed information disrupts sleep. ⑦ Depression or other difficulties coexist. Counselors can offer CBT or exposure to develop a healthier approach to phone use. Nomophobia is common in modern life; seeking support is a constructive, sensible choice.