A Correlational Analysis into the Dimensions of Mobile Phone Usage and Life Skills Among University Students

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between mobile phone usage dimensions and life skills among 921 first-year undergraduate students across three state universities in Punjab, India. Using a descriptive survey design with stratified random sampling, researchers assessed life skills alongside five phone usage dimensions: Enjoyment and Relaxation, Perceived Utility, Perceived Safety, Perceived Autonomy and Intrinsic Motivation, and Addiction. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that life skills were significantly positively correlated with phone addiction (r = 0.30, p < 0.01) and weakly positively correlated with perceived safety (r = 0.16, p < 0.01). Conversely, life skills showed a weak, negative correlation with enjoyment and relaxation (r = -0.16, p < 0.01), with no significant relationships found in the remaining dimensions. These findings highlight the need for integrated educational models that combine digital literacy, emotional resilience, and holistic skill development.