Designing the Model of Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) Based on Attachment Styles with the Mediating Role of Brain Behavioral Systems in Female Students Virtual Space Users of Islamic Azad University of Arak

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Fear of missing out (FoMO) leads to increased problematic use of virtual space. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of designing a model of fear of missing out based on attachment styles with the mediating role of brain behavioral systems in female students virtual space users of Islamic Azad University of Arak.

Methodology: This study in terms of objective was applied and in terms of the implementation method was cross-sectional from type of correlation. The research population consisted of undergraduate female students at Islamic Azad University of Arak Branch in the 2025-6 academic years, which a sample of 224 people of them were selected using available sampling method. The instruments of this study were included the Fear of Missing Out Scale (Przybylski et al., 2013), Attachment Styles Questionnaire (Hazan & Shaver, 1987), and Brain Behavioral Systems Scale (Carver & White, 1994). For data analysis were used the Pearson correlation and structural equation modeling in SPSS-25 and AMOS-24 software.

Findings: The findings of this study indicated that the model of fear of missing out based on attachment styles with the mediating role of brain behavioral systems in female students virtual space users a good fit. In addition, the direct effect of secure attachment style on behavioral activation was positive and significant and on behavioral inhibition and fear of missing out was negative and significant, the direct effect of avoidant and anxious attachment styles on behavioral activation was negative and significant and on behavioral inhibition and fear of missing out was positive and significant, the direct effect of behavioral activation and behavioral inhibition on fear of missing out was positive and significant (P<0.001). Also, the indirect effect of secure, avoidant and anxious attachment styles with the mediating role of behavioral activation and behavioral inhibition on fear of missing out was significant (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Based on the results of this research, counselors and psychologists to reduce the fear of missing out can take action in the areas of attachment styles and brain behavioral systems through training workshops.