Investigation of the Relationship Between Working Memory, Smartphone Addiction and Mental Fatigue in University Students

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AKKURT L., AKSOY C. C.

Hacettepe Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi, vol.12, no.1, pp.283-293, 2025 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)

• Publication Type: Article / Article
• Volume: 12 Issue: 1
• Publication Date: 2025
• Doi Number: 10.21020/husbfd.1529110
• Journal Name: Hacettepe Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi
• Journal Indexes: TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
• Page Numbers: pp.283-293
• Kütahya Health Sciences University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationship between working memory (WM), smartphone addiction and mental fatigue in physiotherapy and rehabilitation students.
Materials and Methods: Smartphone addiction was assessed using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) and mental fatigue was assessed using the Mental Fatigue Scale (MFS). WM was assessed using the Working Memory Questionnaire (WMQ).
Results: The study included 120 students with a mean age of 21.49±1.40 years. A statistically significant moderately positive relationship was found between the students’ WMQ and SAS-SV scores (p<0.001, r=0.423). There was a statistically significant moderately positive relationship between their WMQ and MFS scores (p<0.001, r=0.559). There was no significant difference in the students’ WMQ, SAS-SV, and MFS scores according to their grades (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Smartphone addiction and mental fatigue negatively affect WM in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation students. To improve WM, which is important for learning information, further studies are needed to reduce smartphone addiction.