Understanding juveniles' problematic smartphone use and related influencing factors: A network perspective

Internet Gaming Disorder and Mental Health Literacy: A Latent Profile Analysis of Korean Adolescents

OBJECTIVE

This study identified latent subtypes of mental health literacy (MHL) for Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and explored their characteristics and differences in various factors in adolescents.

METHODS

This study analyzed secondary data from the 2019 Youth Smart Digital Media Survey and included data from 1,936 middle and high school students (14-18 years old). Thirteen items of the MHL questionnaire were used for latent profile analysis. We compared the characteristics and predictors of the identified types using various statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA, chi-square test, and multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

We identified three subtypes of MHL for IGD in adolescents: "low perception-prefer informal resources," "moderate perception-preferred resources unclear," and "high perception-prefer professional resources." Subtypes showed significant differences in sex, age, family affluence, e-learning time during weekdays, mental health risks, level of problematic smartphone use, and IGD. All variables except IGD predicted one or more latent types.

CONCLUSION

Practical interventions are required to improve IGD MHL, including customized prevention based on the differences between the three types.

Leisure experience and mobile phone addiction: Evidence from Chinese adolescents

Background

During the Covid-19 pandemic, online learning became the mainstream because of many restrictions on interpersonal relationships. Children spent more and more time using mobile phones, which also aroused public concern.In past research on the prevention of problematic mobile phone use, it was easy to neglect meaningful part of leisure. Hence, based on Davis's cognitive-behavioral model, this study was designed to verify how leisure experience influences mobile phone addiction through maladaptive cognition, which received little attention before.

Methods

By convenient sampling method, it involved a sample of 1007 middle school students recruited from Northern China. We used adolescent leisure experience questionnaire, maladaptive cognition scale and mobile phone addiction scale to measure adolescents' leisure experience, maladaptive cognition and mobile phone addiction respectively.

Results

The findings revealed that leisure experience was negatively correlated with maladaptive cognition (r = -0.21, p < 0.01) and mobile phone addiction (r = -0.20, p < 0.01) respectively. Maladaptive cognition was positively correlated with mobile phone addiction (r = 0.51, p < 0.01). Given gender, age and family economic conditions, the negative predictive effect of leisure experience on mobile phone addiction was significant (β = -0.18，p < 0.001). Besides, the process by which leisure experience predicted mobile phone addiction through maladaptive cognition was significant, indirect effect = -0.10, SE = 0.02, 95 % CI = [-0.13, -0.07].

Conclusions

Adolescents' great leisure experience has a positive impact on mobile phone addiction, which can be achieved by reducing maladaptive cognition. Therefore，it is significant to improve their leisure experience and guide them to perceive their irrational beliefs in leisure and rethink offline leisure and real life from more positive views.

The Predictive Role of Tolerance and Health Problems in Problem Gambling: A Cross-Sectional and Cross-Lagged Network Analyses

The existing symptomatic networks of problem gambling are all based on cross-sectional data. Thus, there is a need to explore longitudinal symptom networks of problem gambling. Moreover, the replicability of cross-sectional symptom networks can be limited; therefore, further research should assess the convergence between cross-sectional networks of problem gambling symptoms. The present study aimed (i) to examine cross-sectional networks of problem gambling symptoms and evaluate their replicability and (ii) to examine a longitudinal cross-lagged network of problem gambling symptoms. The study included a representative sample of young adult gamblers (born between 1984 and 2000) from the first two waves of the Budapest Longitudinal Study (original sample: N = 2777; final sample: N = 335). The Problem Gambling Severity Index was used to assess symptoms of problem gambling. Cross-sectional symptom networks showed differences in the centrality of nodes. Correlations between the two cross-sectional networks were low in the presence vs. absence of edges, rank order of edge weights, and centrality estimates. However, network invariance tests indicated non-significant differences between them. The cross-lagged network revealed that the symptoms of tolerance and health problems could predict the subsequent presence of multiple problem gambling symptoms. Overall, limited evidence demonstrated the replicability of cross-sectional symptom networks of problem gambling. Future research needs to explore the utility of cross-sectional networks of problem gambling and assess more precisely causal relationships between problem gambling symptoms by distinguishing within- and between-subject effects.

The unique role of smartphone addiction and related factors among university students: a model based on cross-sectional and cross-lagged network analyses

Smartphone addiction is a global problem affecting university students. Previous studies have explored smartphone addiction and related factors using latent variables. In contrast, this study examines the role of smartphone addiction and related factors among university students using a cross-sectional and cross-lagged panel network analysis model at the level of manifest variables. A questionnaire method was used to investigate smartphone addiction and related factors twice with nearly six-month intervals among 1564 first-year university students (M = 19.14, SD = 0.66). The study found that procrastination behavior, academic burnout, self-control, fear of missing out, social anxiety, and self-esteem directly influenced smartphone addiction. Additionally, smartphone addiction predicted the level of self-control, academic burnout, social anxiety, and perceived social support among university students. Self-control exhibited the strongest predictive relationship with smartphone addiction. Overall, self-control, self-esteem, perceived social support, and academic burnout were identified as key factors influencing smartphone addiction among university students. Developing prevention and intervention programs that target these core influencing factors would be more cost-effective.

Network analysis of acute stress reaction in a sample of Chinese male military college students

Background

Acute stress reaction (ASR) following a stressful event is associated with stress-related mental disorders. However, no studies have investigated the relationships between ASR symptom clusters. The present study aimed to provide a fine-grained understanding of the complex relationships among symptom clusters and identify the central symptom clusters of ASR using network analysis.

Methods

The Acute Stress Reaction Scale (ASRS) was used to investigate the network structure of ASR in 1792 Chinese male military college students who were about to participate in an important physical fitness test. We calculated the weights of the edges connecting different symptom clusters and the central indices of 25 symptom clusters in the final network.

Results

There were five strongest edges with significantly higher weights than most other edge weights, including the edges between "Less communication" and "Isolated from others." The symptom clusters of "Somatic symptoms," "Hypoprosexia," and "Anxiety" were found to be the central nodes with the highest expected influences (primary centrality index).

Conclusion

The present study explored the network structure of ASR, revealed complex connections between symptom clusters, and identified central clusters. These findings have important clinical implications, and it is suggested that the three central symptom clusters may be potential targets for effective interventions for ASR.

Effects of use motivations and alexithymia on smartphone addiction: mediating role of insecure attachment

Background and objectives

Concern exists regarding the potential negative consequences of smartphone addiction among adolescents. This study investigated the effect of use motivations and alexithymia on smartphone addiction among adolescents with two insecure attachment styles, namely, anxious and avoidant attachment. These attachment styles were regarded as mediating variables.

Methods

Self-report measures were used to assess use motivations, alexithymia, insecure attachment and smartphone addiction. Data were collected from 748 junior high school students (382 males and 366 females) in northeastern China. Structural equation modeling was used to test our hypothesis that use motivations and alexithymia are directly associated with smartphone addiction and also through the mediation of attachment insecurities.

Results

The structural equation modeling results showed a strong and positive correlation between use motivation and smartphone addiction, with avoidant attachment mediating such a relationship. Meanwhile, the two components of alexithymia, difficulty identifying feelings and externally oriented thinking, positively predicted smartphone addiction, with avoidant attachment serving as a mediator of this effect. In addition, the mediation analysis results demonstrated that attachment anxiety mediated the connection between escape drive, extrinsically focused thought, and smartphone addiction.

Conclusion

Findings describe how attachment insecurities, smartphone use motivations, and alexithymia can interact with one another to predict smartphone addiction. Smartphone use motivation types and alexithymia symptoms should be taken into consideration when designing targeted intervention programs for smartphone addiction to address the different attachment needs of adolescents, which would be helpful to reduce their smartphone addiction behaviors.

Internet addiction and residual depressive symptoms among clinically stable adolescents with major psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic: a network analysis perspective

To assess the inter-relationships between residual depressive symptoms (RDS) and Internet addiction (IA) using network analysis among clinically stable adolescents with major psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. RDS and IA were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), respectively. Central symptoms and bridge symptoms in the network model were examined. A total of 1,454 adolescents met the study criteria and were included in the analyses. The prevalence of IA was 31.2% (95% CI: 28.8%-33.6%). In the network analysis, the nodes IAT15 ("Preoccupation with the Internet"), PHQ2 ("Sad mood"), and PHQ1 ("Anhedonia") were the most central symptoms in the IA-RDS network model. Bridge symptoms included IAT10 ("Sooth disturbing about your Internet use"), PHQ9 ("Suicide ideation"), and IAT3 ("Prefer the excitement online to the time with others"). Additionally, PHQ2 ("Sad mood") was the main node linking "Anhedonia" to other IA clusters. Internet addiction was common among clinically stable adolescents with major psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Core and bridge symptoms identified in this study could be prioritized as targets for the prevention and treatment of IA in this population.

Does parental media mediation make a difference for adolescents? Evidence from an empirical cohort study of parent-adolescent dyads

Background and aims

Adolescents, who are undergoing brain changes, are vulnerable to many online risks in their use or overuse of digital technology. Parental media mediation (a set of practices parents use to guide children's media use and to reduce potential negative consequences of children from media) is considered an important way to help regulate and reduce adolescents' use or problematic use of digital media and protect them from online risks. However, previous studies have shown controversial results. These controversial results reflect a reproducibility crisis in psychological science due to selective reporting, selective analysis, and inadequate description of the conditions necessary to obtain results.

Methods

To address this issue and reveal the authentic effect of parental media mediation strategies, this study presented the results of a specification curve analysis of 1176 combinations indicating the longitudinal effect of parental media mediation on adolescent smartphone use or problematic use. A total of 2154 parent-adolescent dyads (adolescents' ages ranged from 9 to 18, the average age was 12.13 ± 2.20, and 817 of the adolescents were male) participated in two waves of measurements.

Results

The results showed that of the 12 parental media mediations, joint parental use for learning had the greatest effect in reducing future smartphone use or problematic use among adolescents. Overall, none of the parental media mediations had a substantial effect in reducing future smartphone use or problematic use among adolescents.

Discussion and conclusions

The ineffectiveness of parental media mediation poses a challenge for researchers, the public, and policy-makers. More exploration is needed in the search of effective parental media mediations for adolescents.

Network analysis of affect, emotion regulation, psychological capital, and resilience among Chinese males during the late stage of the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

Previous studies have confirmed that both affect and emotion regulation strategies are closely associated with psychological capital (PsyCap) and resilience. These factors are assumed to buffer the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, especially among males. However, these interactions have not been closely examined to date. To fill this gap, this paper explores the dimension-level relationships of these psychological constructs among Chinese males during the late stage of the COVID-19 pandemic and identified critical bridge dimensions using network analysis.

Methods

A total of 1,490 Chinese males aged 21–51 years completed self-report scales assessing emotion regulation strategies, affect, PsyCap, and psychological resilience. Two regularized partial correlation networks, namely the affect and emotion regulation-PsyCap network and the affect and emotion regulation-psychological resilience network, were then constructed to examine links between the dimensions of these constructs. The bridge expected influence (BEI) index was also calculated for each node to identify important bridge nodes.

Results

Positive affect, negative affect, cognitive reappraisal, and expressive suppression showed distinct and complex links to various dimensions of PsyCap or psychological resilience. In both networks, positive affect, cognitive reappraisal, and negative affect were identified as critical bridge nodes, with the first two having positive BEI values and the third having a negative value.

Conclusion

The findings elucidate the specific role of the dimensions of emotion regulation or affect in relation to PsyCap and psychological resilience, which facilitates further understanding of the mechanisms underlying these interrelationships. These findings also provide implications for developing effective intervention strategies to increase PsyCap and psychological resilience.

The Relationships Between Suicidal Ideation, Meaning in Life, and Affect: a Network Analysis

Transitioning from holistic analysis to a fine-grained level analysis may provide further understanding of psychopathology. This study aimed to explore dimension-level relationships between suicidal ideation, meaning in life, and affect in a joint framework using network analysis and to identify potential prevention and intervention targets to address suicidal ideation. A total of 852 healthy adults aged 18-35 years completed self-report scales to assess suicidal ideation, meaning in life, and affect. A regularized partial correlation network was then built to examine the links between these dimensions. Expected influence and bridge expected influence values were calculated for each node. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 4.2%. The search for and presence of meaning in life and positive and negative affect exhibited distinct and complex links to the three dimensions of suicidal ideation (pessimism, sleep, and despair). The important central nodes were search for meaning in life, sleep, despair, and positive affect, while the critical bridge nodes were positive affect, negative affect, and presence of meaning in life. These findings provide further understanding of the specific roles of meaning in life and affect in suicidal ideation. The identified nodes may be promising targets for prevention and intervention for suicidal ideation.

Network analysis of the relationships between problematic smartphone use and anxiety, and depression in a sample of Chinese college students

Background

Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is associated with both anxiety and depression. However, the relationships between components of PSU and symptoms of anxiety or depression have not been investigated. Hence, the aim of this study was to closely examine the relationships between PSU and anxiety and depression to identify the pathological mechanisms underpinning those relationships. A second aim was to identify important bridge nodes to identify potential targets for intervention.

Methods

Symptom-level network structures of PSU and anxiety, and PSU and depression were constructed to investigate the connections between the variables and evaluate the bridge expected influence (BEI) of each node. Network analysis using data from 325 Chinese healthy college students was performed.

Results

Five strongest edges appeared within the communities in both the PSU-anxiety and PSU-depression networks. The "Withdrawal" component had more connections with symptoms of anxiety or depression than any other PSU node. In particular, the edges between "Withdrawal" and "Restlessness" and between "Withdrawal" and "Concentration difficulties" were the strongest cross-community edges in the PSU-anxiety network and PSU-depression network, respectively. Furthermore, "Withdrawal" had the highest BEI in the PSU community in both networks.

Conclusions

These findings provide preliminary evidence of the pathological pathways linking PSU with anxiety and depression, with "Withdrawal" linking PSU with both anxiety and depression. Hence, "Withdrawal" may be a potential target for preventing and intervening in cases of anxiety or depression.

The roles of behavioral inhibition/activation systems and impulsivity in problematic smartphone use: A network analysis

Background

Behavioral inhibition/activation systems (BIS/BAS) and impulsivity are associated with problematic smartphone use (PSU). However, no studies to date have explored how the subdomains of BIS/BAS and the dimensions of impulsivity relate to the components of PSU in a joint framework. This study aimed to examine the relationships between the three constructs at a fine-grained level and identify the central nodes and bridge nodes of their relationships using network analysis.

Methods

A regularized partial correlation network of PSU, BIS/BAS, and impulsivity communities was estimated to investigate the connections between variables and determine the expected influence and bridge expected influence for each variable based on data from 325 Chinese adults. PSU, BIS/BAS, and impulsivity were assessed using the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale (SABAS), BIS/BAS scales, and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-Version 11 (BIS-11), respectively.

Results

In addition to connections within each community, network analysis revealed that there were connections between different communities, especially connections to PSU. I2 "motor impulsivity" was strongly associated with PSU2 "conflict" and PSU6 "relapse"; BASR "BAS-reward responsiveness" was strongly associated with PSU5 "withdrawal." Nodes BASR "BAS-reward responsiveness" and PSU6 "relapse" were the most central variables, while nodes BASR "BAS-reward responsiveness" and I2 "motor impulsivity" were the strongest bridge variables.

Conclusion

The connections between the subdomains of BIS/BAS and the components of PSU and between the dimensions of impulsivity and the components of PSU may be particularly important in the development and maintenance of PSU. The central variables identified here, along with the bridge variables, could be promising and effective targets for the prevention and intervention of PSU.

Do the core symptoms play key roles in the development of problematic smartphone use symptoms

Aims

Previous research determined the core symptoms (loss of control and being caught in the loop) of problematic smartphone use (PSU), which are of great importance to understand the structure and potential intervention targets of PSU. However, the cross-sectional design fails to reveal causality between symptoms and usually conflates the between- and within-subjects effects of PSU symptoms. This study aims to determine whether the core symptoms of PSU, indeed, dominate the future development of PSU symptoms from longitudinal between- and within-subjects levels.

Materials and methods

In this study, 2191 adolescents were surveyed for 3 years for PSU symptoms. A cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) was used to explore longitudinal between-subjects causal relationships between symptoms, and a graphic vector autoregressive model (GVAR) was used to separate the between- and within-subjects effects and detect the longitudinal effect at the within-subject level.

Results

The results of CLPM indicated that the core symptoms (both loss of control and being caught in the loop) of PSU, indeed, dominate the future development of PSU symptoms at a longitudinal between-subjects level. From T1 to T2, the cross-lagged model showed that both the loss of control (out-prediction = 0.042) and being caught in the loop (out-prediction = 0.053) at T1 have the highest out-prediction over other symptoms at T2. From T2 to T3, the loss of control (out-prediction = 0.027) and being caught in the loop (out-prediction = 0.037) at T2 also have the highest out-prediction over other symptoms of PSU at T3. While, after separating the between- and within-subjects effects, only being caught in the loop at T1 played a key role in promoting the development of other PSU symptoms at T3 at the within-subjects level. The contemporaneous network showed intensive connection, while the cross-sectional between-subjects network is very sparse.

Conclusion

These findings not only confirm and extend the key roles of core symptoms in the dynamic aspect of PSU symptoms and PSU itself but also suggest that interventions should consider the core symptoms of PSU, individual- and group-level effects and that individualized intervention programs are needed in future.

Parent-child relationship and problematic smartphone use among chinese adolescents: a moderated mediation model

To explore the influence and mechanism of parent-child relationship on adolescents' problematic smartphone use, a sample of 3355 Chinese adolescents (M age=16.93, SD = 0.49, range: 14-19 years old; 48% boys) is recruited to measure parent-child relationship, problematic smartphone use, personal growth initiative, and school belonging. The results are as follows. (1) After controlling for gender, age and time spent online per day, parent-child relationship is negatively correlated with problematic smartphone use, and the negative association between parent-child relationship and problematic smartphone use is mediated by the personal growth initiative. (2) The association between parent-child relationship and problematic smartphone use, the association between parent-child relationship and personal growth initiative, and the association between personal growth initiative and problematic smartphone use are all moderated by school belonging and are stronger in adolescents with a high level of school belonging. The present study highlights the mediating role of personal growth initiative and the moderating role of school belonging in the association between parent-child relationship and problematic smartphone use. This study also contributes to a better understanding of the effects, paths, and conditions of parent-child relationship on the problematic smartphone use of adolescents and provides constructive suggestions for preventing adolescents' problematic smartphone use in the mobile Internet era.

Parent-child relationship and smartphone addiction among Chinese adolescents: A longitudinal moderated mediation model

Using a three-wave longitudinal design, we examined the relationship between early parent-child relationship and subsequent smartphone addiction (SA) and explored mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relation. A total of 527 Chinese adolescents (271 boys and 256 girls, mean age = 11.23 years) completed questionnaires regarding parent-child relationship, smartphone addiction, hope and life satisfaction. The results showed that: (1) parent-child relationship (T1) was positively associated with life satisfaction (T1) and hope (T2); parent-child relationship (T1), life satisfaction (T1), and hope (T2) were significantly negatively associated with SA (T3); (2) After controlling for age, gender, and SA (T1), hope (T2) completely mediated the relationship between parental-child relationship (T1) and adolescents' SA (T3); (3) life satisfaction (T1) moderated the association between parent-child relationship (T1) and hope (T2). Specifically, as life satisfaction (T1) increased, parent-child relationship (T1) was more likely to promote hope (T2). Moreover, the indirect negative links between parent-child relationship (T1) and SA (T3) via hope (T2) were stronger for adolescents with high level of life satisfaction (T1) than for adolescents with low level of life satisfaction (T1). The results reveal the mechanism of hope and life satisfaction in the effect of parent-child relationship on SA in adolescents, indicating that SA among adolescents can be weakened through the improvement of parent-child relationship, the rise in hope and the increase in life satisfaction.

Trajectory of problematic smartphone use among adolescents aged 10-18 years: The roles of childhood family environment and concurrent parent-child relationships

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Adolescence is a period of high incidence of problematic smartphone use. Understanding the developmental trajectory of problematic smartphone use in adolescence and its influencing factors could guide the choice of timing for prevention and intervention. This study fitted the growth trajectory of problematic smartphone use among adolescents and examined its associations with the childhood family environment and concurrent parent-child relationships.

METHODS

Using a cohort sequential design, we investigated 2,548 Chinese adolescents and their parents three times in three years. Multiple group multiple cohort growth models were used to fit the growth trajectory.

RESULTS

The quadratic growth trajectory of problematic smartphone use in adolescents aged 10-18 years showed a clear increasing trend, with a possible decreasing trend in late adolescence or early adulthood. Early life socioeconomic status, childhood family unpredictability, and the concurrent parent-child relationship had unique impacts on the development of problematic smartphone use during adolescence.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Early adolescence is a favorable time for problematic smartphone use prevention and intervention. A supportive family environment should be maintained throughout the different developmental stages of children and adolescents.

A Network Analysis of the Relationships Between Behavioral Inhibition/Activation Systems and Problematic Mobile Phone Use

Background

It is of great concern to society that individuals can be vulnerable to problematic mobile phone use (PMPU). However, there are a few studies in the field evaluating associations between behavioral inhibition/activation systems (BIS/BAS) and PMPU, and the results have been inconsistent. This study aimed to explore the relationships between BIS/BAS and PMPU by network analysis.

Methods

A total of 891 young adults participated in the study. BIS/BAS and PMPU were assessed by using the behavioral inhibition and activation systems scale and smartphone application-based addiction scale, respectively. The structure of the BIS/BAS-PMPU network was characterized using "strength," "closeness" and "betweenness" as centrality indices. Edge-weight accuracy and centrality stability were tested using a bootstrap procedure.

Results

The network analysis showed that "mood modification," "tolerance" and "withdrawal symptoms" had high centrality. In addition, the positive connection between BIS and "mood modification" or "tolerance" and between BAS-fun seeking and "mood modification" or "conflict" were also shown in the BIS/BAS-PMPU network.

Conclusion

These findings shed light on the central and bridge components between the BIS/BAS and PMPU communities, providing new evidence relevant to potential mechanisms that account for how high-BIS or high-BAS individuals develop PMPU, and inspiring component-based PMPU prevention or interventions.

Understanding the Association Between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Problematic Smartphone Use: A Network Analysis

BACKGROUND

Existing research has demonstrated that intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is associated with problematic smartphone use (PSU). However, little is known about how different IU components such as uncertainty-related beliefs, emotions, and behaviors may impact on different PSU symptoms.

METHODS

Extending previous research, the current study examined the specific associations between IU components and PSU symptoms via a symptom-level network approach. A regularized partial correlation network consisting of different IU components and PSU symptoms was estimated among 1,849 Chinese university students. We examined pathways and influential nodes (i.e. central components/symptoms and bridge components/symptoms) within the IU-PSU network.

RESULTS

The strongest pathway linking IU and PSU was between emotional reactions to uncertainty and coping-motivated smartphone use. Importantly, emotional reactions toward not having enough information (a reflection of emotional reactions to uncertainty) may act as both a central and a bridge component in maintaining the whole IU-PSU network.

CONCLUSIONS

The results are in line with the I-PACE model and highlight that PSU may be a coping response for negative emotions derived from uncertainty. Finally, the current findings highlight the potential of interventions targeting intolerance of uncertainty for reducing PSU.

Applying network analysis to understand the relationships between impulsivity and social media addiction and between impulsivity and problematic smartphone use

BACKGROUND

Prior studies have revealed the relationships between impulsivity and social media addiction (SMA) and between impulsivity and problematic smartphone use (PSU) based on total scores on standardized self-report scales. However, there has been a lack of studies exploring how the dimensions of impulsivity and components of SMA or PSU are interrelated. The present study aimed to investigate the structural relationships between the dimensions of impulsivity and components of SMA and PSU and determine the critical bridge node using network analysis.

METHODS

A total of 325 healthy adults aged 18-36 years participated in the study. SMA and PSU were assessed using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) and Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale (SABAS), respectively. Impulsivity was measured by the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale Version 11 (BIS-11). Network analysis was used to construct an SMA-Impulsivity network and a PSU-Impulsivity network. Bridge centrality (bridge expected influence, BEI) was estimated to identify influential bridge nodes.

RESULTS

In addition to relationships within each community, network analysis revealed that the dimensions of impulsivity were closely associated with the components of SMA and PSU. Particularly, I2 "motor impulsivity" had a relatively strong connection with SMA3 "mood modification" and SMA4 "relapse" in the SMA-Impulsivity network, and with PSU2 "conflict" and PSU5 "withdrawal" in the PSU-Impulsivity network. Moreover, I2 "motor impulsivity" was identified as the most critical bridge node in both networks.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate potential pathways between different dimensions of impulsivity and the components of SMA and PSU, providing new evidence relevant to understanding the underlying mechanisms that account for how highly impulsive individuals develop SMA and PSU, and highlight the critical bridge node-motor impulsivity-that may be a promising and effective target for the prevention and treatment of SMA and PSU.