This study aimed to develop and assess the psychometric properties of an English language measure of problematic mobile phone use. Participants were recruited from a university campus, health science center, and other public locations. The sample included 244 individuals (68.4% female) aged 18–75. Results supported a unidimensional factor structure for the 20-item self-report Problematic Use of Mobile Phones (PUMP) Scale. Internal consistency was excellent ( ). Strong correlations ( , ) were found between the PUMP Scale and an existing scale of cellular phone dependency that was validated in Asia, as well as items assessing frequency and intensity of mobile phone use. Results provide preliminary support for the use of the PUMP Scale to measure problematic use of mobile phones. 1. Introduction Mobile phones (a.k.a., cellular telephones) have many perceived benefits, including increased accessibility and social connection, efficiency in the workplace, convenience, and improved safety. However, in recent years, there has been increasing public interest in the negative consequences of mobile phone use. In one Saudi Arabian study, 44.4% of participants related common health complaints such as headache, trouble concentrating, memory loss, hearing loss, and fatigue to their mobile phone use [1]. Another Saudi Arabian study suggested that 3%-4% of mobile phone users exhibit problems such as tension, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and dizziness related to their mobile phone use, and over 20% complain of headaches [2]. Accidents caused by distracted driving [3, 4] have been highlighted as a public health concern. In addition, anecdotal observation and media reports suggest that the number of self-professed “cell phone addicts” and compulsive users of “crack-berries” and other smartphones has increased as mobile phones have become ubiquitous. Public recognition of this phenomenon is reflected in the many websites and blogs addressing the issue, as well as numerous articles in the popular press describing cell phone addiction. Though stories have appeared in publications such as the New York Times [5], the Los Angeles Times [6], and http://www.forbes.com/ [7] for many years, the academic literature surrounding problematic mobile phone use remains fairly limited, even when compared to other “behavioral addictions” such as pathological gambling, problematic internet use, and problem video gaming [8–10]. While “addiction” is a term commonly used and arguably overused in society, the conceptualization of addiction remains controversial even among researchers and
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