Nomophobia, or the fear of not having access to a mobile phone and/or mobile services, has significant biopsychosocial implications. Despite its growing prevalence, few studies have employed qualitative methodologies to explore the nuances of subjective experiences and factors associated with nomophobia. This is an exploratory, qualitative study that aims to address this gap by investigating the perspectives of multiple stakeholders, including individuals with severe nomophobia (n = 6), and their peers (n = 4), professionals experienced in dealing with individuals with nomophobia (n = 4), and experts in behavioral addiction (n = 6). Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with individuals with severe nomophobia and their peers and key informant interviews with experts. The data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's model of thematic analysis. The study identified a range of demographic and smartphone-related factors associated with nomophobia. Key psychosocial variables, including fear of missing out, self-esteem, impulsiveness, neuroticism, openness to experience, extraversion, sensation-seeking, parental supervision and involvement, lack of meaningful relationships, and proximity to close relationships (e.g., living status and relationship status), have been found to influence smartphone use related behaviors and manifestation of nomophobia. An intriguing finding was the dual influence of the need to belong. Both a heightened and unmet need to belong significantly impacted the underlying motives for smartphone use and usage patterns, thereby contributing to nomophobia. Clinical comorbidities such as body image issues, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, social anxiety, and problematic technology use, further illustrate the complexities associated with nomophobia. This study enhances the theoretical understanding of nomophobia by elucidating its etiopathogenesis and contributing factors.
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