PhD Defence Maud Willemijn Desirée Vroemen

Keywords: Mobile phone usage, heart rate variability, health 
 

"Mobile phone usage and health in the digital age: Pioneering research in connecting mobile phone radiation, emotions and heart rate variability"

This dissertation investigates the relationship between mobile phone use on the one hand, and fluctuating emotions, heart rate variability (HRV), and self-reported health on the other. A novel mood induction protocol was developed to simulate a shift between two opposing emotional states. A notable finding was that the HRV effect of the first induction persisted during the second. 

In addition, the relationship between the radiation component of mobile phone use and HRV was examined. A pilot study showed that radiation resulting from receiving an SMS was associated with a decrease in HRV. Further indications were found that intensive mobile phone use may also be related to reduced HRV. Finally, the results suggested an association between frequent screen use in children over the age of 8 and self-reported health complaints. It is concluded that replication and further expansion of smartphone-related research is important, given its potential negative association with health. 

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