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Winds K, Aebi M, Plattner B. Problematic Internet Use Among Adolescent Male and Female Psychiatric Inpatients: A Gender Perspective. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024; 55:497-509. [PMID: 36070055 PMCID: PMC10891233 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-022-01408-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Problematic internet use (PIU) is of treatment interest in adolescent clinical samples. Gender specific differences in terms of personality traits and psychopathological symptoms remain unclear. In an adolescent clinical sample (n = 104; 69 girls) PIU, psychopathology, temperament and character traits as well as emotional and behavioral problems were assessed. 62% of the sample showed subthreshold PIU and 34% full PIU (fPIU). Boys reported more gaming whereas girls social networking. Sex specific analyses revealed gender differences: Girls with fPIU scored significantly higher on internalizing/externalizing problems/behavior, novelty seeking and transcendence, and lower on persistence, self-directedness, and cooperativeness than girls without fPIU. Boys with fPIU scored significantly higher on internalizing problems and self-transcendence and lower on harm avoidance than boys without fPIU. Gender plays an important role in PIU. Gender specific differences in both application use as well as symptomatic, temperament and character traits call for a gender specific approach in prevention and treatment integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornelius Winds
- Christian-Doppler-Clinic, University Clinics for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Paracelsus Medical University, Ignaz-Harrer-Straße 79, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Marcel Aebi
- Department of Justice and Home Affairs, Research & Development, Corrections and Rehabilitation, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Belinda Plattner
- Christian-Doppler-Clinic, University Clinics for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Paracelsus Medical University, Ignaz-Harrer-Straße 79, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
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2
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Zhang L, Wang W, Wang X, Yuan X, Luo Y, Wu M, Ma L. The relationship between mobile phone addiction and non-suicidal self-injury: Findings from six universities in Shaanxi province, China. J Affect Disord 2024; 349:472-478. [PMID: 38199399 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the development and application of mobile phones have changed various aspects of people's lives, excessive use of mobile phones has also raised physical and mental health concerns. However, the relationship between mobile phone addiction (MPA) and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is unclear. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted (2022) among students from six universities to assess the relationship between MPA and NSSI. A Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale (MPATS) was used to assess MPA, while NSSI was assessed via The Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory. Binary logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between MPA and NSSI. RESULTS A total of 18,723 college students (6531 males [34.9 %] and 12,192 females [65.1 %]) were included in the final analyses. The prevalence of NSSI during the past 12 months was 6.5 %. Furthermore, 5553 participants (29.7 %) met the MPA criteria (MPATS score ≥ 48), and the average MPATS score was 39.5 ± 13.0. MPA was associated with increased odds of NSSI after adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics, health-related characteristics, and relevant psychosocial variables (OR, 1.29; 95 % CI, 1.13-1.46). Moreover, gender did not affect the association of MPA and MPATS score with NSSI (P for interaction>0.05). The restricted cubic splines regression showed that a monotonically increasing risk of NSSI was associated with increasing MPATS score (P for non-linearity = 0.474). CONCLUSIONS MPA is associated with increased odds of NSSI among college students, indicating that early examination, prevention, and intervention for MPA may prevent and control NSSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China; Shaanxi Medical Association, Xi'an 710003, China; Shaanxi Provincial Health Industry Association Service Center, Xian 710003, China
| | - Wenhua Wang
- Shaanxi Provincial Health Industry Association Service Center, Xian 710003, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Shaanxi Medical Association, Xi'an 710003, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yuan
- Shaanxi Provincial Health Industry Association Service Center, Xian 710003, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Shaanxi Provincial Health Industry Association Service Center, Xian 710003, China
| | - Mingyang Wu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
| | - Le Ma
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China.
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Lin WH, Chiao C. Adverse childhood experience and young adult's problematic Internet use: The role of hostility and loneliness. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 149:106624. [PMID: 38227984 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have explored the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and problematic Internet use (PIU) during young adulthood. Moreover, even fewer studies have explored the roles of loneliness (social and emotional) and hostility in this relationship. METHODS This study used data from the Taiwan Youth Project (2011-2017). The analytical sample included 1885 participants (mean age = 31.3 years). PIU was measured using the short form of Chen's Internet Addiction Scale (2017). ACEs were assessed at the baseline of the adolescent phase (mean age = 14.3 years); this indicator has undergone recent revision. Hostility (three items from the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised) and loneliness (six items from the De Jong Gierveld scale) were measured in 2011 and 2014, respectively. RESULTS ACEs were associated with hostility and loneliness (emotional and social). Additionally, hostility (β = 0.62, p < .01) and emotional loneliness (β = 0.44, p < .01) were significantly associated with PIU. Most mediating paths (e.g., ACE → hostility → PIU) were significant, based on the bootstrapping results. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that ACEs have a long-term shadow effect on PIU in young adults. ACEs show an indirect association with PIU through both hostility and loneliness, as well as involving the relationship between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hsu Lin
- Institute of Health and Welfare, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chi Chiao
- Institute of Health and Welfare, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Wang W, Wu M, Zhu Z, Ma L, Zhang L, Li H. Associations of mobile phone addiction with suicide ideation and suicide attempt: findings from six universities in China. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1338045. [PMID: 38312140 PMCID: PMC10834704 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1338045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile phones are becoming indispensable for life and have changed various aspects of people's lives. The psychological impacts of excessive mobile phone use have emerged as an impressive problem among college students. However, little is known about the associations of mobile phone addiction with suicide ideation and suicide attempt. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with students from six universities in 2022. We collected the socio-demographic characteristics, suicide ideation, suicide attempt, psychosocial factors (depressive symptoms, social support, sleep quality), and health-related characteristics (smoking, drinking, body mass index). Mobile phone addiction was ascertained by the Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale (MPATS). The associations of mobile phone addiction with suicide ideation and suicide attempt were estimated using binary logistic regression and restricted cubic splines regression. Results A total of 18,723 college students [6,531 males (34.9%) and 12,192 females (65.1%)] were included in the final analysis. Eleven percent of participants had a history of suicide ideation, and 1.8% of participants had engaged in suicide attempt. A total of 5,553 students (29.7%) met the criteria of mobile phone addiction (MPATS score ≥48), and the average score on the MPATS was 39.5 ± 13.0. After adjustment for potential covariates, mobile phone addiction was significantly associated with increased odds of suicide ideation (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.53-1.88) and suicide attempt (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.18-1.86). Gender did not affect the associations of mobile phone addiction with suicide ideation and suicide attempt (P for interaction > 0.05). The restricted cubic splines regression displayed a nonlinear dose-response association between MPATS score and risk of suicide ideation (P for non-linearity < 0.001), while a monotonically increasing risk of suicide attempt was found to be associated with an increasing MPATS score (P for non-linearity = 0.420). Conclusions Mobile phone addiction is associated with suicide ideation and suicide attempt among college students. The findings indicate that early examination, prevention, and intervention for mobile phone addiction may benefit the prevent and control of suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhua Wang
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Shaanxi Provincial Health Industry Association Service Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Mingyang Wu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhongliang Zhu
- Institute of Maternal and Infant health, Medical college of Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Le Ma
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Shaanxi Provincial Health Industry Association Service Center, Xi'an, China
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
- Shaanxi Medical Association, Xi'an, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Tereshchenko SY. Neurobiological risk factors for problematic social media use as a specific form of Internet addiction: A narrative review. World J Psychiatry 2023; 13:160-173. [PMID: 37303928 PMCID: PMC10251362 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i5.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Problematic social media use (PSMU) is a behavioral addiction, a specific form of problematic Internet use associated with the uncontrolled use of social networks. It is typical mostly for modern adolescents and young adults, which are the first generations fully grown up in the era of total digitalization of society. The modern biopsychosocial model of the formation of behavioral addictions, postulating the impact of a large number of biological, psychological, and social factors on addictive behavior formation, may be quite applicable to PSMU. In this narrative review, we discussed neurobiological risk factors for Internet addiction with a focus on current evidence on the association between PSMU and structural/ functional characteristics of the brain and autonomic nervous system, neurochemical correlations, and genetic features. A review of the literature shows that the vast majority of the mentioned neurobiological studies were focused on computer games addiction and generalized Internet addiction (without taking into account the consumed content). Even though a certain number of neuroimaging studies have been conducted for PSMU, there is practically no research on neuropeptide and genetic associations for PSMU to date. This fact points to the extremely high relevance of such studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Yu Tereshchenko
- Department of Child's Physical and Mental Health, Federal Research Center “Krasnoyarsk Science Center of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Research Institute of Medical Problems of the North, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russia
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Marzilli E, Cerniglia L, Cimino S, Tambelli R. Internet Addiction among Young Adult University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Peritraumatic Distress, Attachment, and Alexithymia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192315582. [PMID: 36497656 PMCID: PMC9739655 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The literature focused on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on young adult university students' mental health shows a significant increase in psychopathological symptoms and Internet Addiction (IA). The key role played by attachment and alexithymia has also been suggested, but no study has explored the possible dynamic relationship between these variables. We recruited a sample of n = 410 young adult university students online. We assessed the attachment to parents and peers (through IPPA), alexithymia (through TAS-20), peritraumatic distress symptoms due to COVID-19 (through CPDI), and IA (through IAT). The results showed that the relationship between the attachment to mothers and IA was partially mediated by alexithymia and by the serial mediation of alexithymia and peritraumatic distress, whereas the influence of the attachment to fathers on IA was fully mediated by peritraumatic distress. The direct effects of the attachment to peers on alexithymia, peritraumatic distress, and IA were all significant, as were the indirect paths via the simple mediation of both alexithymia and peritraumatic distress and the multiple serial mediation of alexithymia and peritraumatic distress. Our findings suggested that the relationship between attachment, alexithymia, and psychopathological risk is dynamic in predicting IA during the pandemic among young adult university students and that the different attachment figures exert a peculiar contribution to these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Marzilli
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical & Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Cerniglia
- Faculty of Psychology, International Telematic University Uninettuno, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Cimino
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical & Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Renata Tambelli
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical & Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Lin WH, Chiao C. Relationship between adverse childhood experiences and problematic internet use among young adults: The role of the feeling of loneliness trajectory. J Behav Addict 2022; 11:1080-1091. [PMID: 36251450 PMCID: PMC9881662 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2022.00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS Given problematic Internet usage's (PIU) negative impact on individual health, this study evaluates how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) affect young adults' PIU and the possible underlying mechanism of the "feeling of loneliness" (FOL) trajectory. METHODS Analyzing a retrospective cohort sample from the Taiwan Youth Project, 2,393 adolescents were interviewed from the average ages of 14-28. We constructed ACE in 2000 using six categories (e.g., abuse and low family socioeconomic status) and 5-item PIU in 2017 from Chen's Internet Addiction Scale. FOL trajectories measured eight times, at average ages 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 25, 28 years-old. RESULTS Overall, 12.65% of the participants did not have ACEs, and 12.78% exhibited PIU. FOL trajectory analyses yielded three groups: "constant low" (reference group: 53.25%); "moderate decline" (36.81%); and "increasing" (9.94%). Regression models showed a dose-response association between ACE and young adults' PIU (adjusted odds ratio = 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-1.23) and the two risky loneliness groups (moderate decline: relative risk ratio [RRR] = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.32-1.54; increasing: RRR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.37-1.71). Structural equation modeling further found that ACEs increase young adults' risk of being in the increasing group, and consequently, the risk of PIU. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that ACE may be associated with 1) adults' PIU, 2) FOL from adolescence to emerging adulthood, and 3) young adults' PIU through its association with FOL trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hsu Lin
- Institute of Health and Welfare, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi Chiao
- Institute of Health and Welfare, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan,Institute of Public Health, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan,Corresponding author. E-mail:
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8
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Zhang Y, Yao S, Schmitt H, Becker B, Kendrick KM, Montag C. Molecular genetic associations between a prominent serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5-HTTLPR/rs25531) and individual differences in tendencies toward autistic traits and generalized internet use disorder in China and Germany. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2747. [PMID: 36106519 PMCID: PMC9575603 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The serotonin transporter polymorphism 5-HTTLPR is an extensively investigated genetic marker of autistic traits or autism spectrum disorder, and recently has also been studied in the realm of internet use disorder (IUD), yet the findings remain controversial. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore associations between 5-HTTLPR (also including SNP rs25531) and autistic traits/IUD tendencies and to assess whether the relationship between autistic traits and IUD tendencies varies by this genetic marker in participants from China and Germany. METHODS A total of 540 Chinese and 563 German subjects were genotyped for 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 and completed the Adult Autism Spectrum Quotient questionnaire and the short version of the Internet Addiction Test. RESULTS Carriers of the low expressing S'S' genotype (S, LG ) showed significantly higher levels of autistic traits than the high expressing allele (e.g. LA ) carriers in both samples. There was no significant effect of 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 on IUD either in the Chinese or Germany samples, whereas positive correlations between autistic traits and IUD varied by 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 genotypes and also differed between Chinese and German samples. In the Chinese sample, positive correlations were mainly driven by S'S' and S'L' carriers, while they were mainly determined by S'L' and L'L' carriers in the German sample. Further analyses revealed that the associations between autistic traits and IUD tended in parts to be more strongly pronounced in the complete German sample compared to the complete Chinese sample, and also varied depending on 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 genotypes (in S'S' carriers: China > Germany; in S'L' and L'L' carriers: China < Germany; both in terms of more positive associations). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest carriers of low expressing alleles (S, LG ) are more likely to show higher autistic traits in both Chinese and German samples. Furthermore, the present work shows that both 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 and cultural differences might be of relevance to understand associations between autistic traits and IUD tendencies, but this needs to be further backed up.
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Affiliation(s)
- YingYing Zhang
- Department of Molecular Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Shuxia Yao
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Ministry of Education Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Helena Schmitt
- Department of Molecular Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Benjamin Becker
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Ministry of Education Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Keith M Kendrick
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Ministry of Education Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Christian Montag
- Department of Molecular Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Ministry of Education Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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9
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Prevalence and determinants of Internet Addiction among medical students and its association with depression. J Affect Disord 2022; 314:94-102. [PMID: 35817304 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internet addiction has been a topic of discussion in the academic literature for many years. As of April 2020, about 60 % of the world's population (nearly 4.6 billion people) were active internet user in their early adulthood. The prevalence among adolescent and college students ranged from 0.9 % to 33 %. The current study aimed to explore internet addiction's prevalence and correlates among undergraduate medical students at an Egyptian university. Also, to assess the relationship between internet addiction, depression symptoms, and socioeconomic status. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 321 undergraduate medical students at Assiut University using the Internet Addiction Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, and Family Affluence Scale. RESULTS About 9 % of the study participants screened positive for internet addiction. The most important determinants among medical students were sex, mother's employment status, family affluence, depressive symptoms, and unmonitored internet access. LIMITATIONS We did not investigate another psychiatric disease, daily time of internet usage, most frequent time of usage, type of internet usage, and cost of use. CONCLUSIONS Internet Addiction is an important psychological problem affecting about 9 % of Assiut university medical students during their undergraduate stage, which may interfere with their lives and studies. Students with lower Internet addiction rates were female students whose mothers were employed, lived in a low affluence family, had fewer depressive symptoms, and had unmonitored internet privacy.
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Fineberg NA, Menchón JM, Hall N, Dell'Osso B, Brand M, Potenza MN, Chamberlain SR, Cirnigliaro G, Lochner C, Billieux J, Demetrovics Z, Rumpf HJ, Müller A, Castro-Calvo J, Hollander E, Burkauskas J, Grünblatt E, Walitza S, Corazza O, King DL, Stein DJ, Grant JE, Pallanti S, Bowden-Jones H, Ameringen MV, Ioannidis K, Carmi L, Goudriaan AE, Martinotti G, Sales CMD, Jones J, Gjoneska B, Király O, Benatti B, Vismara M, Pellegrini L, Conti D, Cataldo I, Riva GM, Yücel M, Flayelle M, Hall T, Griffiths M, Zohar J. Advances in problematic usage of the internet research - A narrative review by experts from the European network for problematic usage of the internet. Compr Psychiatry 2022; 118:152346. [PMID: 36029549 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2022.152346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Global concern about problematic usage of the internet (PUI), and its public health and societal costs, continues to grow, sharpened in focus under the privations of the COVID-19 pandemic. This narrative review reports the expert opinions of members of the largest international network of researchers on PUI in the framework of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action (CA 16207), on the scientific progress made and the critical knowledge gaps remaining to be filled as the term of the Action reaches its conclusion. A key advance has been achieving consensus on the clinical definition of various forms of PUI. Based on the overarching public health principles of protecting individuals and the public from harm and promoting the highest attainable standard of health, the World Health Organisation has introduced several new structured diagnoses into the ICD-11, including gambling disorder, gaming disorder, compulsive sexual behaviour disorder, and other unspecified or specified disorders due to addictive behaviours, alongside naming online activity as a diagnostic specifier. These definitions provide for the first time a sound platform for developing systematic networked research into various forms of PUI at global scale. Progress has also been made in areas such as refining and simplifying some of the available assessment instruments, clarifying the underpinning brain-based and social determinants, and building more empirically based etiological models, as a basis for therapeutic intervention, alongside public engagement initiatives. However, important gaps in our knowledge remain to be tackled. Principal among these include a better understanding of the course and evolution of the PUI-related problems, across different age groups, genders and other specific vulnerable groups, reliable methods for early identification of individuals at risk (before PUI becomes disordered), efficacious preventative and therapeutic interventions and ethical health and social policy changes that adequately safeguard human digital rights. The paper concludes with recommendations for achievable research goals, based on longitudinal analysis of a large multinational cohort co-designed with public stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi A Fineberg
- Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Hertfordshire, UK; School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK; School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - José M Menchón
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, University of Barcelona, Cibersam, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalie Hall
- Centre for Health Services and Clinical Research, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- Luigi Sacco University Hospital, Psychiatry 2 Unit, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; "Aldo Ravelli" Center for Nanotechnology and Neurostimulation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Centro per lo studio dei meccanismi molecolari alla base delle patologie neuro-psico-geriatriche", University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matthias Brand
- General Psychology: Cognition and Center for Behavioral Addiction Research (CeBAR), University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany; Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Essen, Germany
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Child Study, Yale University School of Medicine, and Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, USA, New Haven, USA; Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, USA; Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, USA
| | - Samuel R Chamberlain
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK; Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Giovanna Cirnigliaro
- Luigi Sacco University Hospital, Psychiatry 2 Unit, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Christine Lochner
- SAMRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | - Joël Billieux
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar; Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Hans Jürgen Rumpf
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Translational Psychiatry Unit, Research Group S:TEP (Substance use and related disorders: Treatment, Epidemiology and Prevention) University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Astrid Müller
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Jesús Castro-Calvo
- Department of Personality, Assessment, and Psychological Treatments, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Eric Hollander
- Autism and Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatric Research Institute at Montefiore-Einstein, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
| | - Julius Burkauskas
- Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Vyduno al. 4, 00135 Palanga, Lithuania
| | - Edna Grünblatt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Walitza
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ornella Corazza
- Department of Clinical Pharmacological and Biological Science, University of Hertfordshire
| | - Daniel L King
- College of Education, Psychology, & Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Dan J Stein
- SAMRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Dept of Psychiatry & Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town
| | - Jon E Grant
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago
| | - Stefano Pallanti
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, New York, USA; INS Istituto di Neuroscienze, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Michael Van Ameringen
- Deptartment of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Konstantinos Ioannidis
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK; Department of International Health, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Lior Carmi
- Post-Trauma Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Israel; Reichman University, The Data Science Institution, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Anna E Goudriaan
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Psychiatry, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Addiction Research & Arkin, the Netherlands
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G. D'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Célia M D Sales
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Center for Psychology at University of Porto (CPUP), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Julia Jones
- School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | | | - Orsolya Király
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Beatrice Benatti
- Luigi Sacco University Hospital, Psychiatry 2 Unit, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; "Aldo Ravelli" Center for Nanotechnology and Neurostimulation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Vismara
- Luigi Sacco University Hospital, Psychiatry 2 Unit, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; "Aldo Ravelli" Center for Nanotechnology and Neurostimulation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Pellegrini
- Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Hertfordshire, UK; School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Dario Conti
- Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Hertfordshire, UK; Luigi Sacco University Hospital, Psychiatry 2 Unit, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cataldo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Gianluigi M Riva
- School of Information and Communication Studies, University College Dublin
| | - Murat Yücel
- Brain Park, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maèva Flayelle
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Joseph Zohar
- Post-Trauma Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Israel
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11
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Dai Y, Zhang C, Zhang L, Wen C, Zhu T. The modulation of mRNA levels of MAOA by electroacupuncture and psychotherapy in patients with pathological internet use. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:918729. [PMID: 36032227 PMCID: PMC9403867 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.918729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to observe the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) and psychotherapy (PT) effect on the mental status, sleep quality and impulsive trait in patients with pathological internet use, and to observe the changes of Monoamine oxidase type A (MAOA) messenger Ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels in each group. METHODS A total of 60 PIU patients were included for the present study. These patients were randomly divided into two groups: EA group and PT group. Baihui, Sishencong, Hegu, Neiguan, Shenmen, Taichong, Sanyinjiao and Xuanzhong were selected for acupuncture in the EA group, while group psychotherapy combined with individual psychotherapy was used for intervention in patients in the PT group. Young's Internet addiction Test (IAT), Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Barratt Impulse Scale (BIS-11) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to observe the severity of Internet addiction, mental status, sleep quality and impulsive trait of all patients at baseline and 40th days of treatment; and MAOA mRNA data were collected at baseline and 40th days of treatment. RESULTS Electroacupuncture and psychological intervention effectively reduced IAT, SAS, SDS, Y-BOCS, BIS and PSQI scores of PIU patients. After 40 days treatment, the MAOA expression of the PT group was increased, and there was no significant change in EA group. The correlation analysis indicated that IAT scores were positively correlated with SAS, SDS, Y-BOCS, BIS and PSQI at baseline. In addition, after treatment the EA group showed that the change in IAT scores was positively correlated with the change in Y-BOCS and BIS scores, and the PT group showed that the change in IAT scores was positively correlated with the change in SDS, BIS and PSQI scores. CONCLUSION The present study showed that electroacupuncture and psychological intervention can improve severity of Internet addiction, mental status, sleep quality and impulsive trait of PIU patients. Simultaneously, neurobiological changes may be the underlying mechanisms of psychotherapy for internet additcion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Dai
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu Eighth People's Hospital (Geriatric Hospital of Chengdu Medical College), Chengdu, China.,College of Rehabilitation and Health Preservation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenchen Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Longquanyi District, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingrui Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Leshan Vocational and Technical College, Leshan, China
| | - Chao Wen
- College of Rehabilitation and Health Preservation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianmin Zhu
- College of Rehabilitation and Health Preservation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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12
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Abstract
The Internet, mobile phones, and other similar tools are often necessary for the current functioning of both private life and business. During these two years of pandemic (2019-2021), Internet use, especially different games and mobile phones, were indispensable for the global population. Internet addiction is defined as a psychological dependence on the internet, regardless of the type of activity once logged on. Many studies have confirmed the correlation of stress, depression, and anxiety with internet addiction. It has also been proven that internet addiction, per se, increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and stress. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has generated and promoted social isolation along with unmonitored and increased screen time, all of which are the main causes of internet addiction. The aim of this article is to give a short review of internet addiction research, terminology, and symptoms related to brain functioning. The source material was articles cited in the database, PubMed. Our interest was especially oriented towards the personality characteristics of users and addicted persons as well as neuroimage findings among affected people. We selected the newest articles, published in the period of 2012-2021, of which there are more than 2000. The selected obtained results will be presented and discussed.
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13
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Marzilli E, Cerniglia L, Tambelli R, Trombini E, De Pascalis L, Babore A, Trumello C, Cimino S. The COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on Families' Mental Health: The Role Played by Parenting Stress, Parents' Past Trauma, and Resilience. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11450. [PMID: 34769967 PMCID: PMC8583183 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
International research has evidenced the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families, and the key role played by parenting stress levels. Although significant associations with parents' past trauma and resilience have been shown, this study aimed to explore their complex interplay on the relationship between parents' peritraumatic distress due to COVID-19, parenting stress, and children's psychopathological difficulties. We recruited 353 parents with children aged two to 16 years via an online survey during the Italian second wave of COVID-19. Parents' peritraumatic distress due to COVID-19, parenting stress, past trauma and resilience, and children's psychological difficulties were assessed through self-report and report-form questionnaires. Parents' past traumas significantly predicted peritraumatic distress due to COVID-19 and children's psychological difficulties. The relationship between past traumas and children's psychological difficulties was serial mediated by parents' peritraumatic distress and parenting stress. Direct and total effects of parent's resilience on parent's peritraumatic distress were not significant, but there were significant indirect effects via parenting stress and via parents' peritraumatic distress and parenting stress, indicating inconsistent mediation. This study evidenced the key risk and protective role played by, respectively, parents' past traumas exposure and resilience on the relationship between parents' psychological difficulties due to COVID-19, parenting stress, and children's psychological difficulties, with important clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Marzilli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00186 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (R.T.)
| | - Luca Cerniglia
- Faculty of Psychology, International Telematic University Uninettuno, 00186 Rome, Italy;
| | - Renata Tambelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00186 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (R.T.)
| | - Elena Trombini
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (E.T.); (L.D.P.)
| | - Leonardo De Pascalis
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (E.T.); (L.D.P.)
| | - Alessandra Babore
- Laboratory of Dynamic Psychology, Department of Psychological Sciences, Health and Territory, Università degli Studi “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.B.); (C.T.)
| | - Carmen Trumello
- Laboratory of Dynamic Psychology, Department of Psychological Sciences, Health and Territory, Università degli Studi “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.B.); (C.T.)
| | - Silvia Cimino
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00186 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (R.T.)
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14
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Ballarotto G, Marzilli E, Cerniglia L, Cimino S, Tambelli R. How Does Psychological Distress Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Internet Addiction and Instagram Addiction in Emerging Adults? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11382. [PMID: 34769897 PMCID: PMC8583668 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
International research has underlined a worrying increase in Internet and Instagram addiction among emerging adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the role played by alexithymia and psychological distress due to COVID-19 has been evidenced, no study has explored their complex relationship in predicting emerging adults' Internet and Instagram addiction. The present study aimed to verify whether peritraumatic distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic mediated the relationship between emerging adults' alexithymia and their Internet/Instagram addiction, in a sample composed of n = 400 Italian emerging adults. Results showed that females had higher peritraumatic distress due to COVID-19 than males, whereas males had higher externally oriented thinking and higher levels of Internet addiction than females. Emerging adults' psychological distress due to COVID-19 significantly mediated the effect of alexithymia on Internet and Instagram addiction. Our findings supported the presence of a dynamic relationship between individual vulnerabilities and the co-occurrence of other psychological difficulties in predicting emerging adults' Internet and Instagram addiction during the pandemic, with important clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Ballarotto
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical & Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (S.C.); (R.T.)
| | - Eleonora Marzilli
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical & Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (S.C.); (R.T.)
| | - Luca Cerniglia
- Faculty of Psychology, International Telematic University Uninettuno, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Silvia Cimino
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical & Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (S.C.); (R.T.)
| | - Renata Tambelli
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical & Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (S.C.); (R.T.)
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15
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Tambelli R, Cimino S, Marzilli E, Ballarotto G, Cerniglia L. Late Adolescents' Attachment to Parents and Peers and Psychological Distress Resulting from COVID-19. A Study on the Mediation Role of Alexithymia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10649. [PMID: 34682393 PMCID: PMC8535909 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The scientific literature has shown the key role played by attachment to parents and peers and difficulties in recognizing, processing, and regulating emotions (i.e., alexithymia) in the (mal-)adaptive psychological response to the COVID-19 pandemic during late adolescence. No study has yet explored the complex interplay between these variables. We recruited a sample of 454 late adolescents (Mage = 22.79, SD = 2.27) and assessed attachment to parents and peers, alexithymia, and peritraumatic distress due to COVID-19 through self-report instruments. Attachment to fathers and peers, but not to mothers, and alexithymia significantly predicted levels of peritraumatic distress. Alexithymia fully and partially mediated the effect of, respectively, attachment to mothers and attachment to peers on peritraumatic distress due to COVID-19. These findings suggested that intervention programs focused on the promotion of peer social relationships, supportive parent-adolescent relationships, and the ability to recognize and discriminate one's own and others' emotions are needed in helping late adolescents to face the current health emergency and preventing short- and long-term psychopathological consequences related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Tambelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00186 Rome, Italy; (R.T.); (E.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Silvia Cimino
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00186 Rome, Italy; (R.T.); (E.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Eleonora Marzilli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00186 Rome, Italy; (R.T.); (E.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Giulia Ballarotto
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00186 Rome, Italy; (R.T.); (E.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Luca Cerniglia
- Faculty of Psychology, International Telematic University Uninettuno, 00186 Rome, Italy;
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16
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Cimino S, Marzilli E, Erriu M, Carbone P, Casini E, Cerniglia L. Motor Vehicle Collisions during Adolescence: The Role of Alexithymic Traits and Defense Strategies. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:bs11060079. [PMID: 34063788 PMCID: PMC8223781 DOI: 10.3390/bs11060079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
International literature has shown that adolescents represent the population most at risk of fatal and nonfatal motor vehicle collisions (MVCs). Adolescents’ alexithymic traits and significant use of immature defense strategies have been seen to play a key role. This study aimed to investigate the possible mediation role played by defense strategies use in the relationship between alexithymia and MVCs. Our sample consisted of 297 adolescents divided into four subgroups, based on the number of visits to the emergency department due to an MVC. We assessed adolescents’ alexithymic traits and defense strategies use through self-report instruments. Results showed that males reported a higher rate of MVCs than females. Higher rates of MVCs are associated with more alexithymic traits and maladaptive defense strategies use. Adolescents’ Acting Out and Omnipotence use significantly mediated the relationship between alexithymia and MVCs. Our findings suggest the recidivism of MVCs as an attempt to cope with emotional difficulties, with important clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cimino
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, University of Rome, Sapienza, 00186 Rome, Italy; (S.C.); (E.M.); (M.E.); (P.C.); (E.C.)
| | - Eleonora Marzilli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, University of Rome, Sapienza, 00186 Rome, Italy; (S.C.); (E.M.); (M.E.); (P.C.); (E.C.)
| | - Michela Erriu
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, University of Rome, Sapienza, 00186 Rome, Italy; (S.C.); (E.M.); (M.E.); (P.C.); (E.C.)
| | - Paola Carbone
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, University of Rome, Sapienza, 00186 Rome, Italy; (S.C.); (E.M.); (M.E.); (P.C.); (E.C.)
| | - Elisa Casini
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, University of Rome, Sapienza, 00186 Rome, Italy; (S.C.); (E.M.); (M.E.); (P.C.); (E.C.)
| | - Luca Cerniglia
- Faculty of Psychology, International Telematic University Uninettuno, 00186 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-066-920-761
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17
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Adolescent Attachment to Parents and Peers and the Use of Instagram: The Mediation Role of Psychopathological Risk. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18083965. [PMID: 33918727 PMCID: PMC8069955 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18083965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have shown an association between adolescents’ attachment relationships and social media use. Instagram is the social media platform most used by teenagers and recent studies have shown an association between Instagram use and increased psychopathological risk. The present study aims to verify whether psychopathological risk mediates the relationship between an adolescent’s attachment to their parents and peers and their Instagram addiction. N = 372 adolescents are assessed through self-report questionnaires evaluating Instagram addiction, the adolescents’ attachments to parents and peers, and their psychopathological risk. The Bergen Instagram Addiction Scale (BIAS) is developed by adapting the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale. Results show the validity and reliability of the BIAS, confirming a one-factor structure. Findings show that a worse attachment to parents and peers is associated with adolescents’ psychopathological risk, which is associated with Instagram addiction. This finding has important clinical implications. Being able to intervene in adolescents’ relationships with parents and peers and the ways in which adolescents feel in relation to others could allow for a reduction in adolescents’ psychological difficulties, involving reduced Instagram use as a vehicle for the expression of their psychopathological symptoms.
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