Exploring How ADHD Symptoms Influence the Association Between Problematic Smartphone Use and Burnout in University Students

This study examines whether ADHD traits influence the association between problematic mobile phone use (PMPU) and academic burnout in university students. Although smartphones are integral to learning and communication, maladaptive or uncontrolled use has been linked to attentional disruption, reduced recovery, and increased psychological strain. Academic burnout reflects a prolonged response to chronic study-related stress, characterised by exhaustion and disengagement. Students with elevated ADHD traits may be particularly vulnerable due to executive functioning and self-regulatory difficulties that increase susceptibility to PMPU and complicate management of academic demands. A cross-sectional online survey will administer validated self-report measures of PMPU (SAS-SV), burnout (OLBI), and ADHD traits (ASRS-v1.1). Linear regression models with interaction terms will evaluate associations and test moderation. It was hypothesised that higher PMPU would be associated with greater burnout (H1), and that inattention (H2) and hyperactivity/impulsivity (H3) would moderate this relationship. Specifically, it was predicted that the strength or nature of the association between PMPU and burnout would differ significantly as a function of ADHD trait levels. Exploratory analyses will examine whether ADHD traits independently predict PMPU and burnout.