Effects of time perspective and self-control on procrastination and Internet addiction

Association between internet addiction and musculoskeletal disorders in Iranian medical sciences students

BACKGROUND

The utilization of the Internet can lead to adverse outcomes in students' lives. Prolonged Internet usage may result in academic failure, an elevated risk of musculoskeletal problems, and the emergence of issues impacting the lives of students and their peers. This study aimed to explore the relationship between Internet addiction and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among students in the field of medical sciences.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 314 medical sciences students in Semnan, Iran, were assessed using the census sampling method. The participants' Internet addiction status and the presence of MSDs were determined through Young's Internet Addiction questionnaire and the Nordic self-report questionnaire, respectively. Data underwent analysis employing logistic regression test to ascertain the relationship between Internet addiction and MSDs.

RESULTS

Among the 314 participating students in this research, about 21% and 1.6% of the participants were lay open to and suffered from Internet addiction, respectively. Internet addiction was associated with the presence of pain, discomfort, burning, or numbness in the neck, wrist, upper back, hips, and thighs. For each unit increase in the Internet addiction score, the chance of neck and wrist pain rises by 3% compared to a 2% increase in upper back and hip/thigh pain.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study indicate that excessive Internet use is linked to a heightened risk of MSDs in medical sciences students. Consequently, it is imperative to raise awareness about these complications and promote the adoption of proper posture when using the Internet. Further research is also warranted among diverse student populations to investigate the impact of Internet addiction.

Effect of excessive internet gaming on inhibitory control based on resting EEG and ERP

Previous research indicates that individuals with Internet gaming disorder (IGD) show impaired inhibitory control and abnormal EEG/ERP patterns. However, it is unclear how those individuals with excessive Internet game use (EUG) but without addiction differ. This study examined inhibitory control, resting EEG, and ERP in EUG gamers compared to non-gamers. Fifteen participants in each group underwent 4-min eyes-closed EEG recordings and a color-word Stroop task. Results showed no significant differences in reaction time, accuracy, or P3 amplitude between EUG gamers and non-gamers. However, EUG gamers exhibited shortened P3 latency, which may suggest enhanced inhibitory control. Additionally, EUG gamers showed reduced theta and alpha band power during the resting state compared to non-gamers. These findings suggest that excessive gaming without addiction may enhance inhibitory control and influence brain activity differently from IGD.

Longitudinal Associations between Healthy Eating Habits, Resilience, Insomnia, and Internet Addiction in Chinese College Students: A Cross-Lagged Panel Analysis

This study aimed to explore the longitudinal associations between healthy eating habits, resilience, insomnia, and Internet addiction by using a cross-lagged panel analysis of Chinese college students. Overall, 807 Chinese college students completed questionnaires on healthy eating habits, resilience, insomnia, and Internet addiction from August 2020 (time 1, T1) to November 2020 (time 2, T2), and were selected for the data analyses. Healthy eating habits (T1) had significant effects on resilience (T2; β = 0.064, p < 0.05) and insomnia (T2; β = -0.064, p < 0.05), but not Internet addiction (T2; β = -0.028, p > 0.05). Insomnia (T1) negatively predicted resilience (T2; β = -0.098, p < 0.01). Insomnia was bidirectionally associated with Internet addiction (Internet addiction at T1 to insomnia at T2: β = 0.085, p < 0.01; insomnia at T1 to Internet addiction at T2: β = 0.070, p < 0.05). Additionally, Internet addiction (T1) significantly predicted resilience (T2; β = -0.075, p < 0.05). This study further expanded the understanding of the longitudinal associations between healthy eating habits, resilience, insomnia, and Internet addiction, which provided higher-level evidence and important implications for the interventions for reducing college students' Internet addiction, developing healthy eating habits, and improving resilience and sleep health.

Parent-adolescent conflict and problematic internet use among Chinese adolescents: the mediating role of depression and the moderating role of school climate

BACKGROUND

Problematic Internet use (PIU) may lead adolescents to physical, emotional, social, or functional impairment due to the risky, excessive, or impulsive internet use manner. How do the experiences of adolescents influence them using the internet in a problematic manner? The answer to this question is the key to preventing and intervening PIU of adolescents. To address this question, we focus on the interactions among family (parent-adolescent conflict), school (school climate), and individual factors (PIU, depression), exploring the influence factors of PIU.

METHODS

A moderated mediation model was constructed to explore the relationship between variables. Using a two-wave longitudinal design with a six-month interval between timepoints, this study collected data from 801 Chinese adolescents (411 boys, Mage = 14.68) by questionnaires. Path analysis was employed to test the model and participants' age, sex and baseline were controlled.

RESULTS

Parent-adolescent conflict at Time 1 (T1) was positively related to PIU at Time 2 (T2) in adolescents. Depression at T2 mediated the relationship between parent-adolescent conflict at T1 and PIU at T2. School climate at T2 significantly moderated the mediation effect of depression on the relationship between parent-adolescent conflict at T1 and PIU at T2. Specifically, positive school climate could significantly weaken the negative effect of depression on PIU for adolescents with low level of depression.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study reveals that parent-adolescent conflict leads to PIU in adolescents through depression whilst the school climate moderates the impacts of depression on PIU. This adds further evidence regarding the significance of systematically and consistently incorporating family and school in the alleviating of problem behaviors displayed by teens.

Impact of self-control and time perception on intertemporal choices in gain and loss situations

Individuals frequently encounter dilemmas in which they must choose between smaller, immediate gains and larger, delayed rewards; this phenomenon is known as intertemporal choice. The present study analyzed the interplay of trait and state self-control and time perception tendencies (time overestimation vs. time underestimation) and how it influences the rates of selecting immediate options in both gain and loss situations by conducting an intertemporal choice task. Experiment 1 was used to explore the impact of trait self-control and time perception on intertemporal choices within gain and loss situations. In Experiment 2, the e-crossing task was used to induce self-control resource depletion in participants and to investigate the impact of self-control resources and time perception on intertemporal choices in gain and loss situations. The results indicate that (1) compared with the high-self-control group, the low-self-control group exhibited a greater tendency to choose immediate options. Additionally, the high time estimation group was more likely to opt for immediate choices than the low time estimation group was. Furthermore, participants were more likely to select immediate options in the loss situation than in the gain situation. (2) In the gain situation, the high time estimation group was more likely to choose immediate options than was the low time estimation group. However, in the loss situation, the difference between the two groups was nonsignificant. (3) Time perception and gain-loss situations exerted a moderating mediating effect on the impact of self-control resources on intertemporal choices. These findings shed light on the influence of both self-control abilities and self-control resources on intertemporal choices. They provide valuable insights into intertemporal decision behaviors across diverse contexts and indicate the need for rational analysis based on one's current state to mitigate cognitive biases to ensure individuals can maximize benefits in their daily lives.

The Mediating Role of Procrastination in the Relationship between Fear of Missing Out and Internet Addiction in University Students

This study aims to examine the potential mediating role of procrastination in the relationship between fear of missing out and internet addiction. Employing a cross-sectional research design, this study utilized a paper-pencil form to collect data from 315 students (65.4% undergraduate and 66.3% females) between 18 and 32 (Mage = 22.43; SD = 3.81) studying at a state university in Türkiye. Data were collected through the convenience sampling method. The study was designed as a survey model. This design was tested via mediation analysis. The participants completed self-report assessments using the Fear of Missing Out Scale (FoMOs), General Procrastination Scale (GPS-9), and Young Internet Addiction Scale (short form). The findings showed that FoMO had a significant positive direct effect on both procrastination (R2 = 0.13) and internet addiction (R2 = 0.33). Procrastination also had a significant positive direct effect on internet addiction (R2 = 0.34). Additionally, procrastination mediated the relationship between the fear of missing out and internet addiction (β = 0.156, p < 0.001). These findings not only extend the scope of existing research but also hold practical implications for the development of sustainable interventions. It is believed that the findings will contribute to the consideration of procrastination when preparing psychoeducation or group guidance programs for internet addiction. These interventions can effectively address the process through which fear of missing out leads to internet addiction by considering the significant role of procrastination in students. Findings typically suggest that procrastination behavior is a key factor in explaining the association between FoMO and internet addiction.

Time flies, but you're in control: the mediating effect of self-control between time attitude and academic procrastination

BACKGROUND

Academic procrastination has become an increasing concern in the educational sector. Prior studies identified various correlations among academic procrastination, time attitude and self-control. Nevertheless, few studies have examined the past time attitude and the mechanism underlying those relationships, and the existing studies have been implemented during regular school time. To fill those gaps, the present study includes all three dimensions of time attitude (past-oriented, present-oriented and future-oriented in both positive and negative perspectives), and proposes self-control as a mediator between academic procrastination and time attitude. The study was carried out during an extraordinary winter holiday in China, with final exams waiting at the end of the holiday.

METHODS

A total of 323 middle school students in China (178 girls and 145 boys, 12-19 years old) completed an online survey with questions on their academic procrastination, time attitude and self-control. The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 and Hayes SPSS macro PROCESS (Model 4).

RESULTS

The results showed that academic procrastination was negatively associated with all three positive time attitudes and positively correlated with the present negative time attitude. Moreover, self-control significantly mediates the relationship between academic procrastination and all three positive time attitudes.

CONCLUSION

Based on these findings, self-control could be the underlying mechanism in the relationship between academic procrastination and time attitude. This study broadens the scope of relevant empirical research to the past time attitude, and determines the mechanism that underlies the association between academic procrastination and time attitude under a novel context. Further implications for teaching regulation and intervention are discussed.

Smartphone Addiction Among University Students' During the Post-COVID-19 Era: The Role of Emotional Intelligence and Future Anxiety

OBJECTIVE

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic-related psychological symptoms can lead to smartphone addiction (SPA) risk and other behavioral disorders, thus impacting individuals' mental health and well-being. The present study aims to propose a mediation model to investigate the association between emotional intelligence (EI) and SPA, and the mediating role of future anxiety (FA) during the post-COVID-19 era.

METHODS

An online questionnaire including the Emotional Intelligence Scale, the Dark Future Scale, and the Smartphone Addiction Scale among university students from China, was conducted between September 14 and November 22, 2022. Finally, 1,154 valid questionnaires were collected. The reliability and confirmatory factor analysis results showed that all three scales had good reliability and validity.

RESULTS

Structural Equation Model demonstrated that EI significantly and negatively influenced SPA (β=0.211, p<0.001), university students' FA significantly and positively effected SPA (β=0.315, p<0.001), EI significantly predicted SPA in university students, and FA partially mediated the association between EI and SPA. The mediation effect of FA was 0.110, which accounted for 34.27% of the total effect. Bootstrap results furthermore tested the rigor of the mediating effect.

CONCLUSION

These findings broaden our understanding regarding the relationship between EI and SPA and the mediating role of FA, providing new sights for educators on how to reduce the risk of SPA when confronting the ongoing and possible future pandemics.

Spontaneous brain microstates correlate with impaired inhibitory control in internet addiction disorder

The prevalence of the Internet addiction disorder (IAD) has been on the rise, making it increasingly imperative to explore the neurophysiological markers of it. Using the whole-brain imaging approach of EEG microstate analysis, which treats multichannel EEG recordings as a series of quasi-steady states, similar as the resting-state networks found by fMRI, the present study aimed to investigate the specificity of the IAD in class C of the four canonical microstates. The existing EEG data of 40 participants (N = 20 for each group) was used, and correlation between the time parameters of microstate C and the performance of the Go/NoGo task was analyzed. Results suggested that the duration and coverage of class C were significantly reduced in the IAD group as compared to the healthy control (HC) group. Furthermore, the duration of class C had a significant inverse correlation with Go RTs in the IAD group. These results implied that class C might serve as a neurophysiological marker of IAD, helping to understand the underlying neural mechanism of inhibitory control in IAD.

The role of academic procrastination on Internet addiction among Thai university students: A cross-sectional study

Background

The internet has become an inevitable tool for information-seeking and communication in today's modern era. However, ironically it has driven humankind to become more dependent, leading to addiction. Internet addiction has increased exponentially at all levels of society, especially university students, impeding their physical, psychological, and social well-being.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the relationship between academic procrastination and internet addiction and determine the influence of academic procrastination on internet addiction among Thai university students.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 470 participants selected through multi-stage cluster random sampling from a university in eastern Thailand. The data collection was conducted between 29 November 2022 and 27 January 2023. The data were gathered using a demographic data form, an internet addiction test, and a procrastination assessment scale for the students' questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and simple linear regression were employed for data analysis.

Results

The results revealed that academic procrastination (M = 49.68, SD = 12.61) and internet addiction (M = 65.26, SD = 5.60) were at a moderate level. A positive correlation was identified between academic procrastination and internet addiction (r = 0.33, p <0.01), indicating a low relationship. Academic procrastination also had a significant predictive power on internet addiction, accounting for 11.3% of the variance (R2 adjusted = 0.113, F (1, 468) = 59.583, p <0.001).

Conclusion

The findings indicated the significant role of academic procrastination on internet addiction. Therefore, it is crucial that nurses should formulate interventions by considering this factor and emphasize self-regulatory and time-management skills and practical ways to limit internet dependence. Furthermore, the findings suggest that nurses could assess the procrastination level among students, devise prevention strategies, and organize awareness campaigns to instill information about rational internet use that aids in mitigating the risks and preventing them from getting addicted.

The causalities between learning burnout and internet addiction risk: A moderated-mediation model

This study explored how self-control and eudaimonic orientation are associated with learning burnout and internet addiction risk (IAR). Our results demonstrate that learning burnout has a significant and positive impact on IAR. The impulse system and control system play parallel mediating roles in the relationship between learning burnout and IAR. The relationship between learning burnout and IAR is moderated by eudaimonic orientation. Finally, the mediating role of the impulse system on learning burnout and IAR is moderated by eudaimonic orientation. With these findings, our study clarifies the mediating roles of the impulse system and control system in learning burnout and IAR and the moderating effects of hedonic orientation and eudaimonic orientation. Our study not only offers a new perspective for IAR research but also has practical implications for intervening in middle school students' IAR.

Procrastination Predicts Future Internet Use Disorders in Adolescents but Not Vice Versa: Results from a 12-Month Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND

Use of Internet applications is often associated with postponing real-life obligations. Previous cross-sectional studies have reported a positive association between procrastination and Internet use disorders (IUDs). Further, procrastination is included in theoretical models explaining the development of IUDs. However, little is known about the temporal relationship; thus, longitudinal studies identifying the specific predictive direction are required.

METHODS

Using a cross-lagged panel design, a total of 240 students who were at high risk for IUDs, aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 15.17, SD = 1.66) were assessed at baseline (t1) and reassessed one year later (t2) with standardized measures for IUDs and procrastination.

RESULTS

Our results showed that IUD symptom severity at t2 was significantly predicted both by IUD symptom severity at t1 and procrastination at t1. However, procrastination at t2 was predicted only by procrastination at t1 but not by IUD symptom severity at t1.

CONCLUSIONS

We could not find a reciprocal relationship between procrastination and IUD symptom severity. Procrastination appears to be a causal risk factor for IUDs, but not a consequence. As a modifiable risk factor, procrastination is a promising starting point for preventive and therapeutic interventions for IUDs.

Time Goes Back-Time Perspective in Polish Men with Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder and Risky Sexual Behavior

Many relationships between time perspective and a propensity to engage in risky behaviors or developing addictions have been demonstrated. The aim of our study was to determine the differences in intensity of individual time perspectives in people with compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) and risky sexual behavior (RSB). The analysis includes 425 men: 98 CSBD (age M = 37.99 years), 63 RSB (age M = 35.70 years), 264 without CSBD and RSB features constituting the control group (age M = 35.08 years). We used the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, the Sexual Addiction Screening Test-Revised, the Risky Sexual Behavior Scale and a self-constructed survey. The comparative analysis showed a higher intensity of past-negative (p = 0.040), a lower of past-positive (p < 0.001) and a present-fatalistic (p = 0.040) outlook in the CSBD group compared to the control group. Compared to the participants with RSB, the CSBD group was characterized by a higher intensity of past-negative (p = 0.010), a lower of past-positive (p = 0.004) and a present-hedonistic perspective (p = 0.014). The RSB group also achieved higher results from the present-hedonistic perspective (p = 0.046) compared to the control group. The CSBD patients indicate a stronger tendency to focus on negative past compared to non-CSBD men, both taking and not taking RSB. The time perspective profiles of RSB men are similar to those who do not engage in RSB. The distinguishing feature of men with RSB without CSBD is a greater ability to enjoy current experiences.

Can disorders of subjective time inform the differential diagnosis of psychiatric disorders? A transdiagnostic taxonomy of time

AIM

Time is a core aspect of psychopathology with potential for clinical use and early intervention. Temporal experience, perception, judgement and processing are distorted in various psychiatric disorders such as mood (depression and mania), anxiety, autistic, impulse-control, dissociative and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders. Can these disorders of time be used as early diagnostic or predictive markers? To answer this question, we develop a Transdiagnostic Taxonomy of (disordered) Time (TTT) that maps on to the symptomatological, phenomenal, perceptual and functional descriptions of each underlying disorder in a 2 × 2 × 2 state space. Temporal distortions may precede functional decline, and so assist efforts at early detection and intervention in at-risk groups.

METHOD

Firstly, this article integrates a psychological model of how time is processed with a subjective or phenomenological model of how time is experienced or perceived. Secondly, the integrated combined model of time is then used to heuristically map major psychiatric disorders on to the basic elements of temporal flow and integration.

RESULTS

The TTT systematically describes the basic temporal nature of eight diagnostic categories of psychiatric illness. It differentiates between diagnoses primarily associated with distorted "macro-level" phenomenal temporal experiences (i.e. anxiety, dissociation/PTSD, depression, and mania) from those primarily related to distorted 'micro-level' temporal processing (i.e. psychotic, impulse-control, autistic and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders).

CONCLUSIONS

The TTT allows differential diagnostic classification of various psychiatric disorders in terms of a possible underlying time disorder, making it useful for future diagnostic and predictive purposes using novel techniques of temporal processing, time perception, passage of time, and time perspective.

Future time perspective and academic procrastination among nursing students: The mediating role of mindfulness

AIM

To explore the relationship between university nursing students' academic procrastination, mindfulness, and future time perspective.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

METHODS

A total of 343 university nursing students recruited from eight provinces in China have reported procrastination characteristics through fulfilling an online website link. The main instruments involved Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Zimbardo Time Perspective Scale, and Procrastination Assessment Scale (PASS).

RESULTS

Participants who self-assessed higher frequency and degree of academic procrastination tended to possess lower future time consciousness, and lower mindfulness. Mindfulness served as a mediation effect between future time perspective and academic procrastination. The study indicates that weakening an individual's procrastination can be alleviated through future time awareness and mindfulness. Concentrating on influencing factors, strengthening nursing student's future time perspective, and practicing mindfulness training could assist educators to decrease students' procrastination intentions and behaviours.

Relationship between behavioral inhibition/activation system and Internet addiction among Chinese college students: The mediating effects of intolerance of uncertainty and self-control and gender differences

Background

Internet addiction is a global public health issue among college students that is associated with a range of negative outcomes. Especially the COVID-19 pandemic has forced them to shift most of their studies and life activities from offline to online, leading to a growing problem of Internet dependence and even Internet addiction. Although previous studies have indicated that the Behavioral Inhibition/Activation System (BIS/BAS) have important effects on college students' Internet addiction, the mechanisms underlying these associations and gender differences are still unclear.

Aims

The present study investigated the mediating roles of intolerance of uncertainty and self-control in the association between BIS/BAS and Internet addiction following the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution model. Gender differences in such associations between variables were also tested.

Method

A total of 747 Chinese college students were surveyed by using Young's Diagnostic Questionnaire for Internet Addiction, BIS/BAS Scales, the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale and the Brief Self-Control Scale.

Results

The results from the structural equation modeling analysis showed that BIS was positively related to Internet addiction and that BAS had a negative association with Internet addiction. Moreover, intolerance of uncertainty and self-control mediated the relationships between BIS/BAS and Internet addiction. Multi-group analysis further revealed that the associations between BAS and Internet addiction and between intolerance of uncertainty and Internet addiction were stronger among the male students than among female students. The relationship between self-control and Internet addiction was greater in the female sample than in the male sample.

Conclusions

These findings extend our understanding of how BIS/BAS influence Internet addiction among college students and suggest that not only should training approaches based on intolerance of uncertainty and self-control be fully considered, but different intervention programs should be focused on gender sensitivity to maximize the intervention effect.

Cognitive, Emotional, Behavioral and Physiological Evaluation of the Relationship Between Brain and Gut Microbiota

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of gut microbiota on brain functions, mood and psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety and behavioral addictions, neurotransmitter levels, cognitive processes such as self-control, decision making and delayed gratification. In this context, the relevant literature was reviewed and the findings were evaluated. The relationships of the bidirectional communication between the brain-gut axis with cognitive, emotional, behavioral and physiological processes were explained with a diagram. As a result, although more research is needed on this subject, it has been observed that the brain-gut axis is bidirectionally established through neural, stress, endocrine and immune systems. In this bidirectional communication process, there are interactions in the context of cognitive, emotional, behavioral and other physiological factors. These factors both individually enter into bidirectional relationships with the brain and gut microbiota and are affected by the bidirectional communication between the brain and gut.

Unique and interactive effects of parental neglect, school connectedness, and trait self-control on mobile short-form video dependence among Chinese left-behind adolescents

BACKGROUND

Mobile short-form video is becoming increasingly popular among Chinese adolescents. Mobile short-form video dependence has become a pressing issue in Chinese adolescents, especially in left-behind adolescents. Previous studies, however, have focused on general mobile phone dependence and neglected specific types of mobile phone dependence. Few studies have explored the environmental and individual predictors of mobile short-form video dependence.

OBJECTIVE

Based on theoretical and empirical evidence, the present study examined the unique and interactive effects of parental neglect, school connectedness, and trait self-control on mobile short-form video dependence among Chinese left-behind adolescents.

METHODS

A total of 618 left-behind adolescents between 11 and 15 years of age completed the anonymous self-report survey. The PROCESS macro for SPSS was applied for data analysis.

RESULTS

Parental neglect was positively associated with mobile short-form video dependence, whereas school connectedness and trait self-control were negatively associated with mobile short-form video dependence in left-behind adolescents. Examination of the two-way interactions indicated that school connectedness and trait self-control could buffer the association between parental neglect and left-behind adolescents' mobile short-form video dependence. However, self-control could not moderate the association between school connectedness and mobile short-form video dependence. In addition, the three-way interaction of parental neglect, school connectedness, and trait self-control showed a significant effect on mobile short-form video dependence. The moderating role of school connectedness was stronger for left-behind adolescents with low trait self-control than for those with high trait self-control, and the moderating role of trait self-control was stronger for left-behind adolescents with low school connectedness than for those with high school connectedness.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings contribute significantly to revealing the complex mechanisms of mobile short-form video dependence and providing comprehensive and specific practical suggestions for the prevention and intervention of mobile short-form video dependence among left-behind adolescents.

Relationship between Helicopter Parenting and Chinese Elementary School Child Procrastination: A Mediated Moderation Model

BACKGROUND

The family environment is essential for elementary school children's development. With smartphone penetration into all aspects of people's lives, how parenting affects children's behavior may show new patterns.

OBJECTIVE

This study constructed a mediated moderation model, focusing on the mediating role of child self-control and parental phubbing to clarify the relationship between helicopter parenting (over-parenting) and child procrastination and its mechanisms.

METHODS

The Smartphone Addiction Scale for Chinese Adults, Brief Self-Control Scale, Over-Parenting Questionnaire, and Short General Procrastination Scale were employed to investigate 562 elementary school-age children and their parents.

RESULTS

After data analysis, this study showed the following: (1) helicopter parenting was significantly and positively related to child self-control, child procrastination, and parental smartphone use; (2) child self-control partially mediated the relationship between helicopter parenting and child procrastination; and (3) pathways between helicopter parenting and child self-control were moderated by mother-phubbing behavior.

CONCLUSION

These findings inform parents of their roles in family education.

Role of time perspectives and self-control on well-being and ill-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multiple mediation model

BACKGROUND

A growing body of evidence indicates that the outbreak of COVID-19 has had a significant influence on individuals' cognition, emotion, and psychological health. This study aims to explore the effect of the association between time perspectives and self-control on the well-being and ill-being among college students in China during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

We conducted an online survey involving 1,924 participants in mainland China during the outbreak of COVID-19. A series of self-rating questionnaires measuring the perceived impact of COVID-19, time perspectives, self-control, as well as the statuses of well-being and ill-being were administered. Multiple indirect effects of time perspectives and self-control on well-being and ill-being were analysed through structural equation modelling.

RESULTS

The present-hedonistic time perspective (an orientation on immediate impulses of pleasure) meditated the effects of perceived impacts on both well-being and ill-being, and the future time perspective (considering the outcomes of actions and decisions) mediated the effects on well-being. Moreover, the mediating effects were further mediated by self-control. Specifically, the impact of the future time perspective on ill-being was fully mediated by self-control (β = 0.01, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Based on the results, it is evident that the present-hedonistic time perspective, the future time perspective, and self-control are related to higher levels of well-being and lower levels of ill-being, thereby providing further insight into the theoretical framework of time perspectives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, our findings provide practical implications for psychological interventions during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the effects of time perspectives and self-control on the well-being and ill-being of different individuals.

Tolerance for ambiguity, reappraisal, and suppression mediate the relationship between problematic internet use and procrastination

The current scientific literature lacks studies on the relationship between problematic internet use (PIU) and procrastination, especially regarding the mediating mechanisms underlying this relationship. The present study examined the association between procrastination and PIU, as well as determining the mediating roles of tolerance for ambiguity, reappraisal, and suppression. The conceptual model was tested using data collected from 434 Iranian college students. The participants completed a number of psychometric scales assessing procrastination, PIU, tolerance for ambiguity, reappraisal, and suppression. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized model. Results showed that PIU, tolerance for ambiguity, and suppression were positively associated with procrastination, and that there was a negative association between reappraisal and procrastination. Moreover, the mediation analysis indicated that tolerance for ambiguity, reappraisal, and suppression fully mediated the association between PIU and procrastination. However, it is also possible to interpret the results as suggesting that PIU is unimportant as a predictor for procrastination once mediators are controlled for.

Time Estimation or Autonomic Heart Rate Regulation: Which Mechanism Is More Sensitive in the Development of Internet Addiction in Adolescents?

The aim of the study was to assess different combinations of time estimation ability and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters in adolescents during developing of Internet addiction (IA). The study included adolescents aged 16-17 (n = 49) living in the southern region of Russia. IA was measured using the Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS). An individual minute test (IM) was performed, and HRV was recorded. There are three groups that differ in HRV, IM duration and CIAS parameters. Minimal and moderate risk of IA development was detected against a background of a tendency towards vagotonia and prolonged IM time (Group I) and balanced autonomic nervous balance and optimal IM time (Group II). A balanced autonomic nervous balance and prolonged IM time were detected in the group of persons with a moderate risk of IA and a stable IA pattern (Group III). We assume that the development of IA in adolescents may be carried out by different neural mechanisms, including optimal autonomic nervous balance, but with primary impairment of cortical brain mechanisms of time perception.

Longitudinal association between parental involvement and internet gaming disorder among Chinese adolescents: Consideration of future consequences as a mediator and peer victimization as a moderator

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) in adolescents is a concerning issue. Positive parenting has been found to protect against adolescent IGD, but the underlying mechanisms await further investigation. As such, this study examined the longitudinal association between parental involvement (PI) - a specific type of positive parenting understudied in the literature of adolescent gaming disorder - and IGD. Moreover, this study also tested consideration of future consequences (CFC) as a mediator and peer victimization (PV) as a moderator.

METHODS

A two-wave longitudinal research spanning 6 months apart was conducted. Participants were Chinese adolescents (final N = 434; 222 females; Mage = 14.44 years, SD = 1.56). They provided ratings on PI, PV, and IGD at Wave 1, and CFC-immediate, CFC-future, and IGD at Wave 2.

RESULTS

Descriptive statistics showed that the prevalence rate of IGD was 10.81% and 9.45% at Waves 1 and 2, respectively. Moreover, results of moderated mediation model found that after controlling for Wave 1 IGD and covariates, Wave 1 PI was associated with Wave 2 IGD via preventing adolescents who had higher levels of PV from developing a tendence of CFC-immediate and via promoting adolescents who had lower levels of PV to develop a tendence of CFC-future.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Altogether, these results suggest that facilitative ecological systems (e.g., positive parenting and good relationships with peers) and personal strengths (e.g., positive future orientation) jointly contribute to the mitigation of adolescent IGD.

Future Time Perspective and Bedtime Procrastination: The Mediating Role of Dual-Mode Self-Control and Problematic Smartphone Use

This study examined bedtime procrastination predictors and the development process concerning health behavior. Based on temporal self-regulation theory and the self-regulatory framework of time perspective, we examined the effects of future time perspective, dual-model of self-control, and problematic smartphone use on bedtime procrastination. Further, including the mediating role of dual-mode self-control and problematic smartphone use in the effects of future time perspective on bedtime procrastination among 3687 participants (38.73% male; M_age = 16.17 years, SD = 2.42, range = 11-23) Chinese students. The results showed that the future time perspective, dual-mode self-control, and problematic smartphone use had significant predictive effects on bedtime procrastination. Importantly, the negative effect of future time perspective on bedtime procrastination is mediated by the impulse system, control system, and problematic smartphone use separately and serially mediated by the impulse system and problematic smartphone use, rather than the control system and problematic smartphone use; these findings extend previous research on the contributing factors of bedtime procrastination and provide an empirical basis for promoting people to form healthy sleep habits.

Association between food addiction and time perspective during COVID-19 isolation

PURPOSE

The concept of time perspective (TP) implies that a mental focus on past, present, or future affect a person makes decisions and take action. Inability to plan their life for a sufficiently long time perspective due to the COVID-19 pandemic appeared to have a pronounced impact on a human's lifestyle influencing their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, including eating behavior. This study tested two hypotheses: (a) that during COVID-19 isolation, the incidence rate of food addiction is increased, and (b) people with present TP are more likely exhibited signs of food addiction (FA).

METHODS

The final study sample included 949 people, mean age 21.8 ± 7.8 years (range: 17-71 years, women: 78.3%). Each participant indicated their personal data and completed Yale Food Addiction Scale and the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory.

RESULTS

There was an increased incidence rate of FA (OR = 1.678, 95% CI = 1.324, 2.148, p = 0.000) during COVID-19 isolation. Individuals with balanced, future, and past positive TP were less likely to exhibit symptoms of FA. Persons with past negative, and present hedonistic TP were more likely to exhibit signs of FA.

CONCLUSION

There was an increased incidence rate of FA during COVID-19 isolation. Persons with shortened time horizon are more likely to exhibit symptoms of FA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.

Physical Activity and Academic Procrastination among Chinese University Students: A Parallel Mediation Model of Self-Control and Self-Efficacy

Previous studies have suggested that physical activity may decrease academic procrastination; however, few studies have explored the underlying mechanisms of how physical activity exerts an effect on academic procrastination. This study aimed to examine the mediating effects of self-control and self-efficacy in the relationship between physical activity and academic procrastination among Chinese university students. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used in this study. The sample comprised 564 university students from a university in Zhejiang, China. The physical activity rating scale-3 (PARS-3), self-control scale (SCS), generalized self-efficacy scale (GSES), and procrastination assessment scale-students (PASS) were used to investigate university students’ physical activity, self-control, self-efficacy, and academic procrastination respectively. The Percentile-Bootstrap technique was performed to examine the mediating effects of self-control and self-efficacy on the association between physical activity and academic procrastination. Results: Physical activity significantly predicted higher levels of self-control and self-efficacy, as well as lower levels of academic procrastination. Self-control and self-efficacy were significant mediators between physical activity and academic procrastination. Conclusion: This study indicated that physical activity interventions targeting the improvement of self-control and self-efficacy may reduce academic procrastination in university students.

Bedtime procrastination predicts the prevalence and severity of poor sleep quality of Chinese undergraduate students

ObjectiveBedtime procrastination is a type of unhealthy sleep behavior, but whether it affects sleep quality remains unknown. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between bedtime procrastination and poor sleep quality among Chinese college students. Participants: A total of 1550 Chinese undergraduates participated and effectively completed the study. Methods: This cross-sectional study collected information on bedtime procrastination and self-reported sleep quality via the Bedtime Procrastination Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Results: The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 39.42% among Chinese undergraduates. Age, education, and bedtime procrastination independently predicted the prevalence of poor sleep quality. Bedtime procrastination was a unique contributor to the severity of poor sleep quality. Conclusions: This study highlighted the independent associations between bedtime procrastination and the prevalence and severity of self-reported poor sleep quality. These findings may be helpful in designing effective measures to improve the sleep quality of college students.

Adolescent Self-Control and Individual Physical and Mental Health in Adulthood: A Chinese Study

Despite its association with individual health, few studies have focused on the relationship between adolescent self-control and individual physical and mental health in adulthood. We aimed, therefore, to explore the impact of adolescent self-control on individual physical and mental health in adulthood. We employed the dataset of China Labor-Force Dynamics Surveys [CLDS] (2016). 13,389 respondents with an average age of 45.621 years are consisted in this study. The respondents were asked to report their adolescent self-control through recall. The ordered probit and the ordinary least squares (OLS) models were employed to estimate the effects of adolescent self-control on physical and mental health in adulthood, respectively. We adopted the propensity score matching (PSM) method to address the self-selection bias of samples. The results indicated that adolescent self-control significantly affected individual physical health (coefficient = 0.0126, p < 0.01) and mental health (coefficient = −0.1067, p < 0.01) in adulthood. The mechanism analysis suggested that adolescent self-control partially promoted physical and mental health in adulthood by education and income instead of self-control in adulthood. In conclusion, paying attention to the cultivation of self-control before adulthood may be an effective way to improve individual physical and mental health in adulthood.

Identification of central symptoms in Internet addictions and depression among adolescents in Macau: A network analysis

BACKGROUND

Internet addiction (IA) and depression are common among adolescents and often are co-occurring. This study examined the network structures of IA and depressive symptoms (depression hereafter) in adolescents.

METHODS

A total of 1,009 adolescents were recruited. IA and depression were measured using the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the 9 items-Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), respectively. A network analysis was conducted to identify central symptoms and bridge symptoms using centrality indices. Network stability was evaluated using the case-dropping procedure. The Network Comparison Test (NCT) was conducted to examine whether network characteristics differed by gender.

RESULTS

Network analysis revealed that nodes IAT-15 ("Preoccupation with the Internet"), IAT-2 ("Neglect chores to spend more time online"), PHQ-6 ("Guilty"), and IAT-16 ("Request an extension for longer time spent online") were the most central symptoms within the model of coexisting IA and depression. The most important bridge symptom was node IAT-11 ("Anticipation for future online activities"), followed by IAT-12 ("Fear that life is boring and empty without the Internet") and IAT-19 ("Spend more time online over going out with others"). Gender did not significantly influence the network structure. The IA and depression network model showed a high degree of stability.

CONCLUSION

The central symptoms along with key bridge symptoms identified could be potentially targeted when treating and preventing IA and depression among adolescents.

Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Based Intervention in Preventing Gaming Disorder and Unspecified Internet Use Disorder in Adolescents: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Behavioral addictions were introduced as novel mental disorders in the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision, based on evidence that human behavior itself can become addictive, similar to addiction to substances. However, previous studies on prevention of gaming disorder and unspecified internet use disorder lacked randomization, follow-up measurements, and diagnostic interviews that assessed incidence rates; this trial was intended to fill this gap.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether the PROTECT (Professioneller Umgang mit technischen Medien [Professional Use of Technical Media]) intervention can reduce the symptom severity and prevent full syndrome and subthreshold onset of gaming disorder and unspecified internet use disorder in at-risk adolescents.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A multicenter cluster randomized clinical trial conducted recruitment, screening, intervention delivery, and data collection among at-risk adolescents aged 12 to 18 years in 33 high schools in Germany. Inclusion criteria for the study and symptom severity analyses were elevated symptoms of gaming disorder and unspecified internet use disorder. A subsample that met the inclusion criteria for incidence analyses (no full syndrome of gaming disorder or unspecified internet use disorder, depression, or anxiety at baseline) was analyzed for illness onset. Participants were randomized to either the PROTECT intervention group or the assessment-only control group. Participants were assessed at baseline, 1-month follow-up, 4-month follow-up, and 12-month follow-up between October 1, 2015, and September 30, 2018. Based on intent-to-treat principle, data analyses were conducted from February 8, 2019, to May 7, 2021.

INTERVENTIONS

PROTECT, a theory-driven, manualized, cognitive behavioral therapy-based indicated preventive group intervention that is delivered in 4 sessions by trained psychologists. It targets changes in addictive reward processing and pathological cognitive mechanisms.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was symptom severity (measured by CSAS [Computerspielabhängigkeitsskala], a modified German video game dependency scale with a score range of 0-56 [higher scores indicating greater pathology]) along with incidence rates (assessed by a structured clinical interview) after 12 months. Secondary outcomes were comorbid psychopathology and problem behaviors.

RESULTS

A total of 422 at-risk adolescents (mean [SD] age, 15.11 [2.01] years; 229 female participants [54.3%]) were randomized to either the PROTECT intervention group (n = 167; mean [SD] risk score, 29.05 [6.98]) or the assessment-only control group (n = 255; mean [SD] risk score, 26.21 [5.01]) and were included in the symptom severity analyses. Compared with the control group, the PROTECT group showed a significantly greater reduction in symptom severity of gaming disorder or unspecified internet use disorder (γ11 = -0.128; 95% CI, -0.246 to -0.011; P = .03), reflecting a 39.8% vs 27.7% reduction of symptoms with an effect size of Cohen d = 0.67 (baseline vs 12-month follow-up) for the PROTECT group. Differences in incidence rates did not reach statistical significance. The PROTECT group showed a significantly greater decrease in procrastination (γ11 = -0.458; 95% CI, -0.735 to -0.180; P < .001) over 12 months, but no significant differences were found for other secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Results of this trial showed that the PROTECT intervention effectively reduced symptoms of gaming disorder and unspecified internet use disorder over 12 months. The intervention did not change incidence rates of gaming disorder or unspecified internet use disorder.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02907658.

Group-tailored feedback on online mental health screening for university students: using cluster analysis

BACKGROUND

The method by which mental health screening result reports are given affects the user's health behavior. Lists with the distribution of scores in various mental health areas is difficult for users to understand, and if the results are negative, they may feel more embarrassed than necessary. Therefore, we propose using group-tailored feedback, grouping people of similar mental health types by cluster analysis for comprehensive explanations of multidimensional mental health.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted using a qualitative approach based on cluster analysis. Data were collected via a developed mental screening website, with depression, anxiety, sleep problems, perfectionism, procrastination, and attention assessed for 2 weeks in January 2020 in Korea. Participants were randomly recruited, and sample size was 174. Total was divided into 25 with severe depression/anxiety (SDA+) and 149 without severe depression/anxiety (SDA-) according to the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 criteria. Cluster analysis was conducted in each group, and an ANOVA was performed to find significant clusters. Thereafter, structured discussion was performed with mental health professionals to define the features of the clusters and construct the feedback content initially. Thirteen expert counselors were interviewed to reconstruct the content and validate the effectiveness of the developed feedback.

RESULTS

SDA- was divided into 3 using the k-means algorithm, which showed the best performance (silhouette score = 0.32, CH score = 91.67) among the clustering methods. Perfectionism and procrastination were significant factors in discretizing the groups. SDA+ subgroups were integrated because only 25 people belonged to this group, and they need professional help rather than self-care. Mental status and treatment recommendations were determined for each group, and group names were assigned to represent their features. The developed feedback was assessed to improve mental health literacy (MHL) through integrative and understandable explanations of multidimensional mental health. Moreover, it appeared that a sense of belonging was induced to reduce reluctance to face the feedback.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests group-tailored feedback using cluster analysis, which identifies groups of university students by integrating multidimensions of mental health. These methods can help students increase their interest in mental health and improve MHL to enable timely help.

The relationship between self-control and procrastination among adolescent: The mediating role of multi screen addiction

Self-control is always crucial in many areas of life. Therefore, self-control failure is the source of many of the difficulties people face in their lives and also at the center of several problems, especially among adolescents. In this regard, the purpose of the study was to examine the mediating role of multi-screen addiction (MSA) in the relationship between self-control and procrastination among adolescents by using structural equation modeling (SEM). A cross-sectional design and an online questionnaire was used in this study. The study group composed of 390 adolescents studying at various high schools in Turkey. The results of correlation analysis showed that self-control was negatively correlated with MSA and procrastination. MSA also positively correlated with procrastination. Furthermore, the findings showed that MSA mediated the relationship between self-control and procrastination. The fit index of the SEM was found to be satisfactory. The results of the study were addressed in the context of the existing literature, and then suggestions were presented.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-021-02472-2.

Present hedonism and future time perspectives predicting hypersexuality and problematic pornography use

The Time Perspective (TP) theory (i.e., the psychological experience regarding time) was often examined in association with different addictive behaviors, and the different TPs (i.e., Past Positive, Past Negative, Present Hedonistic, Present Fatalistic, and Future TPs) demonstrated different relationship patterns with them. However, most studies were conducted in relation to substance use-related disorders, leaving crucial knowledge gaps concerning the associations between TPs and potential behavioral addictions. The aim of the present study was to examine the associations between the five TP dimensions, hypersexuality, and problematic pornography use (PPU), considering potential gender differences. Participants from two independent samples (N₁ = 554; N₂ = 453) completed a self-report survey on TPs and sexual behaviors. Structural equation modeling results indicated that the Present Hedonistic TP had a positive, moderate, and the Future TP had a negative, weak association with hypersexuality in both samples. Only the Present Hedonistic TP had a significant, positive, weak-to-moderate association with PPU across the samples. The explained variances of the models were higher in case of hypersexuality (28 and 27%, respectively), than in case of PPU (1 and 14%, respectively). No significant gender differences were observed. In line with previous findings concerning other predictors of hypersexuality and PPU, the results of the present study suggest that hypersexuality and PPU may differ from each other in terms of their TP background. Yet, present hedonism, which is related to impulsivity, may play an important role in both problematic sexual behaviors, suggesting that interventions focusing on this TP might be successful in reducing hypersexuality and PPU.

Impulsivity and Depressive Brooding in Internet Addiction: A Study With a Sample of Italian Adolescents During COVID-19 Lockdown

This contribution presents a study conducted on a sample of Italian adolescents (n = 411) in the period of the first COVID-19 lockdown. The study investigated the role and predictive weight of the impulsivity and depressive brooding variables on Internet addiction, using a hierarchical regression analysis. The participants were administered the Uso-Abuso e Dipendenza da Internet [Internet Use-Abuse and Addiction] (UADI-2), the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), and the Ruminative Response Scale (RRS). In terms of percentage distribution, 28% of the participants were in the full dependency range, while 34.7% demonstrated Internet abuse behavior. The results highlighted not only the predictive value of impulsiveness (β = 0.323) and ruminative thinking (β = 0.258), but also the role of gender (β = -0.205) on Internet addiction. Thus, male participants showed higher levels of Internet addiction, with higher scores on impulsiveness and brooding way of thinking. The study shows that the issue in question is significantly present among adolescents; in addition, not only targeted awareness programmes but also psycho-educational and clinical interventions to promote greater emotional and cognitive control would be necessary as a preventive and mitigating measure. Psychological interventions can help increase self-awareness, develop emotional regulation and impulse control, and correct maladaptive cognitions which in adolescents are mostly driven by a ruminative cognitive style.

Fear of Missing Out and Irrational Procrastination in the Mobile Social Media Environment: A Moderated Mediation Analysis

This study explored the relationship between Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and irrational procrastination in a mobile social media environment and its underlying mechanism: the mediating role of cognitive failure. The study was conducted with 817 college students using the FoMO Scale, Irrational Procrastination Scale, Cognitive Failures Questionnaire, and Self-Control Scale. The results showed that (a) FoMO positively predicted irrational procrastination in the mobile social media environment; (b) cognitive failure had a complete mediating effect on the relationship between FoMO and irrational procrastination; and (c) self-control had a moderating effect on the relationship between FoMO and cognitive failure.

The Relationship Between Self-Control and Internet Addiction Among Students: A Meta-Analysis

As past studies of self-control and Internet addiction showed mixed results, this meta-analysis of 83 primary studies with 80,681 participants determined whether (a) these students with less self-control had greater Internet addiction, and (b) age, culture, gender, Internet addiction measures, or year moderated these relations. We used a random-effects meta-analysis of Pearson product-moment coefficients r with Fisher’s z-transformation and tested for moderation with the homogeneity tests. The results showed a positive link between impulsivity and Internet addiction (r = 0.371, 95% CI = [0.311, 0.427]) and a negative link between restraint and Internet addiction (r = −0.362, 95% CI = [−0.414, −0.307]). The moderation analysis indicated that the correlation between impulsivity indicators and greater Internet addiction was stronger among undergraduates (18–22 years old) than among adolescents (10–17 years old). Furthermore, the negative link between a restraint indicator and Internet addiction was greater (a) among students in East Asia than those in Western Europe/North America, (b) among males than females and (c) when using the Internet addiction measures GPIUS or IAT rather than CIAS. Hence, these results indicate a negative link between self-control and Internet addiction, and this link is moderated by age, culture, gender, and Internet addiction measure.

Human time perspective and its structural associations with voxel-based morphometry and gyrification

Time perspective refers to humans' concept of integrating and evaluating temporal position and evaluation of memories, emotions, and experiences. We tested the hypothesis that different aspects of time perspective, as assessed with the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) are related to variation of brain structure in non-clinical subjects. Analysing data from n = 177 psychiatrically healthy subjects using voxel-based morphometry with the CAT12 software package, we identified several significant (p < 0.05 FWE, cluster-level corrected) associations. The factors past negative, reflecting a negative attitude towards past events and present fatalistic, measuring a hopeless and fatalistic attitude towards future life, were both negatively associated with grey matter volumes of the anterior insula. The ZTPI factor future was negatively associated with precuneus grey matter. There was no association of ZTPI scores with gyrification using an absolute mean curvature method, a marker of early brain development. These findings provide a link between a general psychological construct of time perspective and brain structural variations in key areas related to time keeping (anterior insula) and the default mode network (precuneus), both of which overlap with variation in behavioral aspects and psychopathology.

Does Attentional Style Moderate the Relationship between Time Perspective and Social Network Addiction? A Cross-Sectional Study on a Sample of Social Networking Sites Users

The present study investigates the role of attentional style as a moderator variable between temporal perspective and social network addiction, since little is known about users' cognitive variables involved in this kind of addictive behavior. To achieve this goal, a sample of 186 volunteers and anonymous social networking sites users (M = 34%; F = 66%; M_age = 22.54 years; SD = 3.94; range: 18 ÷ 45 years) participated in a cross-sectional study. All participants filled out self-report instruments measuring temporal perspective, internal vs. external attentional style, and social network addiction. The results align with the previous literature and show that present fatalistic and past negative time orientations are associated with social network addiction, whereas the future is a negative precursor. Moreover, a four-step hierarchical regression analysis showed that internal attentional style is a significant moderator of the relationship between high levels of temporal perspective and a high level of social network addiction. This result suggests that social network-addicted users are oriented toward internal stimuli such as their intrusive thoughts or feelings and that social network addiction is similar to obsessive compulsive disorders, depression, or anxiety. Despite its limitations, the present study could contribute to the efforts of clinicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, teachers, and all those who seek to combat social network addiction in developing treatment programs to reduce its harmful effects.

Self-Control, Consideration of Future Consequences, and Internet Addiction among Chinese Adolescents: The Moderating Effect of Deviant Peer Affiliation

Although a large number of studies have indicated that self-control was an important predictive factor for adolescent internet addiction, the moderating and mediating mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. To address this research gap, the present study, according to social learning theory and the organism–environment interaction theory, tested whether consideration of future consequences mediated the relation between self-control and adolescent internet addiction and whether deviant peer affiliation moderated the relationship between consideration of future consequences and internet addiction. Using longitudinal tracking (two-time points and the interval is 6 months). Three middle schools in Guangzhou were randomly selected. The participants were 1182 students ranging in age from 12 to 15 years (average age: 14.16, SD = 1.29) from three middle schools in Guangzhou (651 boys and 531 girls) in Guangdong Province. Results showed that consideration of future consequences mediated the relationship between self-control and internet addiction. Furthermore, the relationship between future consequence consideration and internet addiction was moderated by deviant peer affiliation. These findings highlighted the potential mediating role of consideration of future consequences in linking self-control to adolescent internet addiction. We also found high deviant peer affiliation weakens the protective effect of future consequence consideration on Internet addiction. This study may provide support for adolescent Internet addiction prevention and have some educational implications.

Procrastination and problematic new media use: the mediating role of future anxiety

In recent years, the new media have become so attractive that they are used for meetings, entertainment, and work. People more and more often use Facebook or phones instead of doing their work or family duties. The main aim of the present study was to test the mediating role of future anxiety in the relationship between procrastination and problematic new media use. The participants were students (N = 478), aged 18 to 27 (M = 19.93, SD = 1.77); 64% of the sample were women. The General Procrastination Scale, the Decisional Procrastination Scale, the Facebook Intrusion Questionnaire, the Adapted Mobile Phone Use Habits, and the Future Anxiety Scale—Short Form were used. The study showed that those students who procrastinated often reported a high tendency to engage in problematic new media use and a high level of future anxiety. The findings of the study have important implications for research on problematic Facebook and mobile phone use. They may be applicable in the work of psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists, both in prevention and in developing online addiction therapies.

Smartphone Addiction and Cybercrime Victimization in the Context of Lifestyles Routine Activities and Self-Control Theories: The User's Dual Vulnerability Model of Cybercrime Victimization

(1) Background: This paper combines lifestyle-routine activities (L-RAT) and self-control (SCT) theories along with the literature on smartphone addiction in a joint model that addresses the multiple vulnerabilities that make the smartphone user a potential victim of cybercrime. This model, which we call the dual vulnerability model of cybercrime victimization, was subjected to empirical testing on a nationally representative sample of smartphone users. (2) Methods: Data from 2837 participants from a nationally representative sample of Spanish smartphone users were modeled using Mplus causal modeling software. (3) Results: The results of the study confirm the predictions of L-RAT and SCT in explaining cybercrime victimization (higher cybercrime victimization under conditions of high exposure, proximity, and suitability, relative absence of capable guardian, and low self-control). A significant effect of smartphone addiction on cybercrime victimization was also observed above and beyond L-RAT and SCT predictors. (4) Conclusions: The potential victim of cybercrime presents a double vulnerability, on the one hand, those identified by criminological theories such as L-RAT and SCT, and on the other hand, those derived from the deregulated-addicted use of the Internet access device (smartphone in our work).

Time Perspective and Bedtime Procrastination: The Role of the Chronotype-Time Perspective Relationship

INTRODUCTION

Bedtime procrastination (BP) has a close relationship with one's chronotype, from a biological perspective on time. However, it remains unknown whether there is an association between BP and psychological time. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between time perspective (TP) and BP and the effect of TP on the relationship between BP and chronotype by examining a sample of college students pre- and post-COVID-19 outbreak.

METHODS

A total of 628 Chinese students (267 in pre-outbreak and 361 in post-outbreak) validly completed the Chinese version of the Bedtime Procrastination Scale, the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI), and the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Students with more BP behaviors exhibited greater deviation from a balanced TP, especially after the COVID-19 outbreak. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that the past-negative and future orientations, as operationalized by the ZTPI, contributed independently to BP behaviors. The structural equation modeling analyses further demonstrated that morningness was significantly related to a more future-oriented TP, which in turn decreased BP in pre- and post-COVID-19 outbreak samples, while morningness was associated with a less past-negative-oriented TP, which in turn decreased BP only in the post-COVID-19 outbreak sample.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that TP in students with BP predominantly focused on future orientation and that TP can mediate the relationship between chronotype and BP behaviors. However, the COVID-19 pandemic may disrupt the time flow and change the role of chronotype-TP in BP. These findings explain how individual differences in TP are associated with BP, which may be helpful in designing effective interventions to avoid BP, from the viewpoint of time perspective therapy.