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Ujin Yap A, Kurniawan F, Pragustine Y, Marpaung C. Temporomandibular disorder and somatic symptoms: Relations to 'fear of missing out' and other negative emotional states. Acta Odontol Scand 2024; 83:340-347. [PMID: 38804261 DOI: 10.2340/aos.v83.40776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The association between the 'fear of missing out (FOMO)' and physical symptoms has not been widely explored. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between FOMO and other negative emotions with Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and somatic symptoms in young adults. The correlations between the various physical and emotional variables were also established. MATERIAL AND METHODS TMD and somatic symptoms were appraised with the Short-form Fonseca Anamnestic Index, quintessential five TMD symptoms of the Diagnostic Criteria (DC)/TMD, and Patient Health Questionnaire-15. FOMO and other negative emotional states were assessed with the FOMO Scale and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21). Data were evaluated using non-parametric tests/correlation and regression analysis (α = 0.05). RESULTS While only negative affectivity (total DASS), anxiety, and stress differed significantly between those without and with TMDs, significant variances in FOMO and all DASS-21 constructs were discerned between individuals without and with somatization. Conclusions: Individuals with orofacial pain and more severe somatic symptoms have higher levels of negative emotions including FOMO. While somatization increased the prospect of TMDs, being female, presence of TMDs, and negative affectivity were risk factors for somatization in young adults. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Asian young adults appear to be disposed to somatization, and TMDs may be a form of functional somatic syndromes. Recognition of somatic symptoms and emotional distress, including FOMO, is essential for person-centric TMD care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Ujin Yap
- Department of Dentistry, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Faculty of Dentistry, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore; National Dental Research Institute Singapore, National Dental Center Singapore and Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore Health Services, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Florencia Kurniawan
- Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Yenny Pragustine
- Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Carolina Marpaung
- Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia.
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Du M, Zhao C, Hu H, Ding N, He J, Tian W, Zhao W, Lin X, Liu G, Chen W, Wang S, Wang P, Xu D, Shen X, Zhang G. Association between problematic social networking use and anxiety symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:263. [PMID: 38735963 PMCID: PMC11089718 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01705-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
A growing number of studies have reported that problematic social networking use (PSNU) is strongly associated with anxiety symptoms. However, due to the presence of multiple anxiety subtypes, existing research findings on the extent of this association vary widely, leading to a lack of consensus. The current meta-analysis aimed to summarize studies exploring the relationship between PSNU levels and anxiety symptoms, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, attachment anxiety, and fear of missing out. 209 studies with a total of 172 articles were included in the meta-analysis, involving 252,337 participants from 28 countries. The results showed a moderately positive association between PSNU and generalized anxiety (GA), social anxiety (SA), attachment anxiety (AA), and fear of missing out (FoMO) respectively (GA: r = 0.388, 95% CI [0.362, 0.413]; SA: r = 0.437, 95% CI [0.395, 0.478]; AA: r = 0.345, 95% CI [0.286, 0.402]; FoMO: r = 0.496, 95% CI [0.461, 0.529]), and there were different regulatory factors between PSNU and different anxiety subtypes. This study provides the first comprehensive estimate of the association of PSNU with multiple anxiety subtypes, which vary by time of measurement, region, gender, and measurement tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxuan Du
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chengjia Zhao
- School of Education, Renmin University of China, 100872, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyan Hu
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ningning Ding
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiankang He
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Tian
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenqian Zhao
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiujian Lin
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Gaoyang Liu
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wendan Chen
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - ShuangLiu Wang
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Pengcheng Wang
- School of Media and Communication, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Dongchuan Road 800, 200240, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongwu Xu
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xinhua Shen
- Department of Neurosis and Psychosomatic Diseases, Huzhou Third Municipal Hospital, 313002, Huzhou, China.
| | - Guohua Zhang
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China.
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Benedetto L, Rollo S, Cafeo A, Di Rosa G, Pino R, Gagliano A, Germanò E, Ingrassia M. Emotional and Behavioural Factors Predisposing to Internet Addiction: The Smartphone Distraction among Italian High School Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:386. [PMID: 38673299 PMCID: PMC11050649 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040386] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
In a digitally oriented society, smartphones provide continual online accessibility to daily life while simultaneously predisposing adolescents to engage in prolonged connections for various purposes, thus escalating the risk of Internet addiction (IA). Cognitive processes such as multitasking and attentional shifting are frequently associated with smartphone activities. Additionally, online engagements may serve as emotional strategies for regulating negative states (e.g., boredom and distress), redirecting attention towards more gratifying activities, such as social media contents. This study delves into cognitive-emotional processes (i.e., emotion regulation, attention impulsiveness, online vigilance, and multitasking) and emotional/behavioural factors (i.e., emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, peer relationships, and prosocial behaviours) that may be implicated in smartphone activities and technology addiction among adolescents. A community sample of Italian high school students (N = 676; 42.2% females) completed the Smartphone Distraction Scale (SDS), the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for internalising/externalising symptoms and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) to assess the presence and severity of IA. The scores on the SDS were found to be positively associated with IA levels. Furthermore, students exhibiting higher internalising/externalising symptoms, particularly those with traits of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are more likely to manifest problematic smartphone usage. The implications for screening adolescents more susceptible to developing IA symptoms and for implementing preventive interventions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Benedetto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy;
| | - Simone Rollo
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Anna Cafeo
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of the Adult and Developmental Age Human Pathology, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (R.P.); (A.G.); (E.G.)
| | - Gabriella Di Rosa
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy;
| | - Rossella Pino
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of the Adult and Developmental Age Human Pathology, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (R.P.); (A.G.); (E.G.)
| | - Antonella Gagliano
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of the Adult and Developmental Age Human Pathology, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (R.P.); (A.G.); (E.G.)
| | - Eva Germanò
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of the Adult and Developmental Age Human Pathology, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (R.P.); (A.G.); (E.G.)
| | - Massimo Ingrassia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy;
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Dong Y, Chen M, Wu Z, Zhang Z. Covid-19 psychological pressures, depression and FOMO: the mediating role of online social support and emotional regulation. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:116. [PMID: 38431605 PMCID: PMC10908053 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01610-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The spread of the coronavirus has led to significant anxiety among university students, resulting in various mental health problems that could potentially impact their academic performance. METHOD To examine the mediating role of emotional regulation and online social support in the relationships between COVID-19 psychological pressures, depression, and the fear of missing out (FoMO) among young adult university students, a cross-sectional research design was employed using an online survey. The sample consisted of 521 full-time university students from China, currently enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate programs. RESULTS Findings revealed that more than half (55.09%, n=287) of the university students experienced COVID-19 psychological pressures. These pressures directly contributed to increased levels of depression (β = 0.339, p < .001) and fear of missing out (β = 0.236, p < .001). Moreover, online social support and emotional regulation exhibited partial mediating effects on the association between COVID-19 psychological pressures, depression, and the fear of missing out. The results indicated that COVID-19 psychological pressures were linked to higher levels of depressive symptoms and a greater fear of missing out among university students. CONCLUSIONS However, the provision of timely and adequate online social support, as well as the implementation of emotional regulation strategies, mitigated the negative effects of the pandemic on students' social and emotional well-being. Consequently, this led to reduced levels of depression and fear of missing out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Dong
- School of Education, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China.
- School of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Min Chen
- School of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhigang Wu
- School of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zilin Zhang
- Historic Building Division, China Construction First Division Group Huajiang Construction Co., Ltd, Jingdezhen, 333099, Jiangxi, China
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Casale S, Akbari M, Seydavi M, Bocci Benucci S, Fioravanti G. Has the prevalence of problematic social media use increased over the past seven years and since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic? A meta-analysis of the studies published since the development of the Bergen social media addiction scale. Addict Behav 2023; 147:107838. [PMID: 37639837 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU) has been defined as the lack of regulation of one's use of social media associated with negative outcomes in everyday functioning. Previous meta-analyses reported PSMU prevalence before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and based the estimates on the cut-off scores, which are debatable in the current fields. The present meta-analysis aims to explore whether PSMU, as assessed by the most used self-report scale (i.e., the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale; BSMAS), increased across the world (i) since the first published study on this topic (i.e., in the last seven years), (ii) since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and (iii) depending on age, gender and the income level of the countries. The meta-analysis involved 139 independent samples with 133,955 respondents from 32 countries spanning seven world regions. The results show that PSMU: (i) is significantly higher in low-income countries (LIC); (ii) did not increase in the last 7 years overall and after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, except for LIC; (iii) did not vary depending on age and gender. The higher prevalence of PSMU reported during the COVID-19 pandemic by some single studies may have been a transient phenomenon to cope with physical distances in some countries, whilst, in others, an overall increase of PSMU occurred. High levels of PSMU in LIC might be explained based on socio-cultural differences between countries, but also with the higher prevalence of mental disorders in LIC since PSMU might be a symptom of other, more primary psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Casale
- Department of Health Sciences, Psychology Unit, University of Florence, via di San Salvi 12, 50100 Florence, Italy.
| | - Mehdi Akbari
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Seydavi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sara Bocci Benucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134 Florence, Italy.
| | - Giulia Fioravanti
- Department of Health Sciences, Psychology Unit, University of Florence, via di San Salvi 12, 50100 Florence, Italy.
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Hu Z, Zhu Y, Li J, Liu J, Fu M. The COVID-19 related stress and social network addiction among Chinese college students: A moderated mediation model. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290577. [PMID: 37624773 PMCID: PMC10456156 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on social cognitive theory and gender differences, this study verified a moderated mediation model to explore the relationship between the COVID-19 related stress (CRS) and social network addiction (SNA) and evaluate the mediating role of fear of missing out (FoMO) and the moderating role of gender. A questionnaire survey was conducted, including 702 Chinese university students.This study used PROCESS to test the hypothesis model.The results showed that the CRS significantly and positively affected the SNA of college students and FoMO played a complementary mediating role. Moreover, the analysis of the moderated mediation model showed that gender moderated the relationship between FoMO and SNA; the effect of FoMO was stronger on the SNA of male college students than that of females. The results not only enhanced our understanding of the internal influencing mechanism of the relationship between CRS and SNA but also considered gender differences. In addition, some suggestions were proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziao Hu
- School of Finance and Economics, Hainan Vocational University of Science and Technology, Haikou, China
| | - Yangli Zhu
- Student Affairs Office, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Finance and Economics, Hainan Vocational University of Science and Technology, Haikou, China
| | - Jiafu Liu
- Guizhou Education University, Guiyang, China
| | - Maozheng Fu
- School of Finance and Economics, Hainan Vocational University of Science and Technology, Haikou, China
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Casale S, Flett GL. Interpersonally-Based Fears and Feelings During the Covid-19 Pandemic Revisited: Research Findings and Further Reflections on Fear of Missing out and Feelings of not Mattering. CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2023; 20:351-357. [PMID: 37810945 PMCID: PMC10556848 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20230415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Much has transpired since severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) began spreading throughout the world in 2020. In our previous commentary, we focused on the significance of two specific fears with an interpersonal basis (i.e. the fear of missing out, FoMO, and the fear of not mattering) during a period in which daily routines were disrupted and physical distancing or "social distancing" was implemented as a crucial important public health intervention in response to the coronavirus. In the current article, we examine the current context and review what has been learned about the similarities and differences among people during the pandemic with a particular emphasis on research during the pandemic on the fear of missing and feelings and fears of not mattering to other people. The nature of these constructs as revealed during the pandemic is discussed with a focus on how these attributes reflect insecurity and doubts about the self that heighten susceptibility to external feedback. Key themes include the need to consider FoMO from a broad perspective that includes actual lost opportunities during the pandemic and how individual differences in mattering have been reflected in coping and adaptability and related outcomes. It is clear from our analysis that FoMO and mattering are highly salient and relevant constructs with clear ecological validity in terms of accounting for individual differences in the costs and consequences of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Casale
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence (Italy)
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Dehghani M, Hakimi H, Talebi M, Rezaee H, Mousazadeh N, Ahmadinia H, Almasi S. The relationship between fear of Covid-19 and obsessive-compulsive disorder. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:133. [PMID: 37101308 PMCID: PMC10131400 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01112-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus pandemic and health measures related to it have led to an increase in mental health problems. The relatively high incidence of the disease and its mortality rate created anxiety in society. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of fear of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and its relationship with obsessive-compulsive disorder in patients who attended the outpatient clinic of Besat Hospital in Hamadan. METHODS In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 320 patients who attended the outpatient clinic of Besat Hospital in Hamadan were selected by random sampling method in 2021. Data were collected using the Fear of the coronavirus (COVID-19) questionnaire and obsessive-compulsive disorder scale and analyzed using SPSS software (V16). They were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and independent t-test. RESULTS The mean ± SD age of the subjects was 34.14 ± 9.30 years and 65% of the study subjects were women. The mean ± SD score on the obsessive-compulsive disorder scale was 32.90 ± 19.87 and the mean ± SD score for fear of coronavirus was 16.82 ± 5.79. The contamination dimension of OCD had the highest score of 9.04 ± 5.46 and stealing had the lowest score of 0.10 ± 0.49. The mean fear of COVID-19 in people who had a history of obsessive-compulsive disorder before the quarantine was significantly higher than in those who did not have it (P = 0.002). Along with the increasing fear of coronavirus scale score, the score of obsessive-compulsive disorders increased except for the stealing dimension (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The results of the study showed that there was a moderate level of fear of COVID-19 among the study population. Also, a relatively high proportion of study subjects had a weak manifestation of OCD. It seems that two years after the beginning of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, people have adapted to the conditions, and their fear of the disease is reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Dehghani
- Instructor of Pediatric Nursing Nahavand School of Allied Medical Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Hamideh Hakimi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Qazvin University of Medical Science, Qazvin, Iran.
| | - Maryam Talebi
- Operating Room Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Hanie Rezaee
- Operating Room Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Noushin Mousazadeh
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Addiction Institute, Department of Nursing, Amol Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Hassan Ahmadinia
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Medical School, Occupational Environment Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Saiedeh Almasi
- Instructor of nursing, Department of Nursing, Boroujerd School of Nursing, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
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Zhang S, Wu Q, Liu R. The relationship between neuroticism and passive use of mobile social networks among Chinese young adults: The mediating role of fear of missing out and online social support. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2023; 236:103919. [PMID: 37086663 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.103919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Many studies have shown that passive use of mobile social networks affects people's physical and mental health. However, few studies have explored the association between neuroticism and passive use of social networks, and the mediating factors that may indirectly contribute to this relationship. Therefore, the present study sought to investigate the relationship between neuroticism and passive use of mobile social networks and explore the sequential mediating role of fear of missing out (FOMO) and online social support. In the present study, data from a total of 531 Chinese undergraduates were collected by using the Chinese Big Five Personality Inventory, Online Social Support Scale, the Fear of Missing Out Scale, and Passive Use of Mobile Social Networks Scale. The results showed that neuroticism positively predicted passive use of mobile social networks through the indirect paths of FOMO and online social support and the chain mediating path of "online social support-FOMO".
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Affiliation(s)
- SiWei Zhang
- Mental Health Education Center, Changde Vocational and Technical College, Changde, China
| | - Qi Wu
- Department of Psychology, School of Educational Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China; Cognition and Human Behavior Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.
| | - RenFu Liu
- Mental Health Education Center, Changde Vocational and Technical College, Changde, China
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Brandtner A, Verduyn P, Behrens S, Spada MM, Antons S. License to look? The role of permissive beliefs, desire thinking, and self-control in predicting the use of social networking sites. Addict Behav 2023; 139:107573. [PMID: 36608591 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Permissive beliefs are considered the most proximal predictor of actual behavior. Whereas they have frequently been researched in substance-use disorders, the field of social networking sites (SNS) use is missing the investigation as to how relevant permissive beliefs might be in this context, what might be causal precursors of permissive beliefs (i.e., desire thinking), and which processes might influence the effect that permissive beliefs have on actual behavior (i.e., self-control). To answer these questions, 116 people who use SNS participated in an online survey that contained an experimental manipulation of desire thinking and questionnaires measuring permissive beliefs, self-control, and severity of problematic SNS use. In a one-week follow-up, 85 participants reported their SNS usage times. Results showed that the association between permissive beliefs and tendencies to use SNS problematically was not significant. The experimental manipulation led to a decrease in permissive beliefs in the control condition, but did not increase permissive beliefs in the desire thinking condition. Permissive beliefs predicted SNS use in the follow-up assessment, which was not moderated by self-control. The results suggest that permissive beliefs seem to be unrelated to addictive tendencies of SNS use, but are nevertheless associated with daily use. Desire thinking does not appear to activate permissive beliefs in this study, possibly because the use of social networks is less often experienced as conflicting. Due to its ubiquitous availability, the use of social networks itself might quickly resolve the conflict between desires and possible regulatory attempts, making good reasons for use unnecessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Brandtner
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Department of General Psychology: Cognition and Center for Behavioral Addiction Research (CeBAR), Duisburg, Germany.
| | - Philippe Verduyn
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Sofie Behrens
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Department of General Psychology: Cognition and Center for Behavioral Addiction Research (CeBAR), Duisburg, Germany.
| | | | - Stephanie Antons
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Department of General Psychology: Cognition and Center for Behavioral Addiction Research (CeBAR), Duisburg, Germany; Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Essen, Germany.
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Elkin JA, McDowell M, Yau B, Machiri SV, Pal S, Briand S, Muneene D, Nguyen T, Purnat TD. The Good Talk! A Serious Game to Boost People's Competence to Have Open Conversations About COVID-19: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e40753. [PMID: 36884269 PMCID: PMC9997707 DOI: 10.2196/40753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccine hesitancy is one of the many factors impeding efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Exacerbated by the COVID-19 infodemic, misinformation has undermined public trust in vaccination, led to greater polarization, and resulted in a high social cost where close social relationships have experienced conflict or disagreements about the public health response. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this paper is to describe the theory behind the development of a digital behavioral science intervention-The Good Talk!-designed to target vaccine-hesitant individuals through their close contacts (eg, family, friends, and colleagues) and to describe the methodology of a research study to evaluate its efficacy. METHODS The Good Talk! uses an educational serious game approach to boost the skills and competences of vaccine advocates to have open conversations about COVID-19 with their close contacts who are vaccine hesitant. The game teaches vaccine advocates evidence-based open conversation skills to help them speak with individuals who have opposing points of view or who may ascribe to nonscientifically supported beliefs while retaining trust, identifying common ground, and fostering acceptance and respect of divergent views. The game is currently under development and will be available on the web, free to access for participants worldwide, and accompanied by a promotional campaign to recruit participants through social media channels. This protocol describes the methodology for a randomized controlled trial that will compare participants who play The Good Talk! game with a control group that plays the widely known noneducational game Tetris. The study will evaluate a participant's open conversation skills, self-efficacy, and behavioral intentions to have an open conversation with a vaccine-hesitant individual both before and after game play. RESULTS Recruitment will commence in early 2023 and will cease once 450 participants complete the study (225 per group). The primary outcome is improvement in open conversation skills. Secondary outcomes are self-efficacy and behavioral intentions to have an open conversation with a vaccine-hesitant individual. Exploratory analyses will examine the effect of the game on implementation intentions as well as potential covariates or subgroup differences based on sociodemographic information or previous experiences with COVID-19 vaccination conversations. CONCLUSIONS The outcome of the project is to promote more open conversations regarding COVID-19 vaccination. We hope that our approach will encourage more governments and public health experts to engage in their mission to reach their citizens directly with digital health solutions and to consider such interventions as an important tool in infodemic management. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/40753.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier A Elkin
- Digital Health and Innovation Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michelle McDowell
- Harding Center for Risk Literacy, Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
| | - Brian Yau
- Department of Pandemic and Epidemic Preparedness and Prevention, World Health Organization Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Shanthi Pal
- Department of Regulation and Prequalification, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sylvie Briand
- Department of Pandemic and Epidemic Preparedness and Prevention, World Health Organization Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Derrick Muneene
- Digital Health and Innovation Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tim Nguyen
- Department of Pandemic and Epidemic Preparedness and Prevention, World Health Organization Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tina D Purnat
- Department of Pandemic and Epidemic Preparedness and Prevention, World Health Organization Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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12
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Gioia F, Imperato C, Boursier V, Franceschini C, Schimmenti A, Musetti A. The role of defense styles and psychopathological symptoms on adherence to conspiracy theories during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3482. [PMID: 36859511 PMCID: PMC9976667 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30531-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, individuals felt uncertain and insecure. As a consequence, conspiracy theories flourished and quickly spread. In the current study, we examine the relationship between general and COVID-19-related conspiracy theories, cognitive reflection, psychopathological symptoms, and defense styles in a sample of Italian adults. A total of 450 participants (50.2% male; mean age = 40.89 years, SD = 12.15) took part in an online survey. Two linear regression models on the general (explained variance 22.6%) and COVID-19-related (explained variance 33.0%) conspiracy theories have been tested. Among the predictive factors, older age, mania symptoms, and immature defenses facilitate adherence to conspiracy theories; on the opposite side, higher education, cognitive reflection, and mature defenses protected from adherence to conspiracy theories. The study provides some novel findings about factors that are significantly associated with general and COVID-19-related conspiracy theories, and highlights the pivotal role of individuals' psychological defenses in conspiracy theories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gioia
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDepartment of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Imperato
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Valentina Boursier
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDepartment of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Christian Franceschini
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Adriano Schimmenti
- grid.440863.d0000 0004 0460 360XFaculty of Human and Social Sciences, UKE-Kore University of Enna, Enna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Musetti
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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13
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Economic expectations and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic: a one-year longitudinal evaluation on Italian university students. QUALITY & QUANTITY 2023; 57:59-76. [PMID: 35250100 PMCID: PMC8883755 DOI: 10.1007/s11135-022-01330-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has produced an extensive aggravation of people's anxiety level. Different policies aimed at fighting the spread of the virus could affect anxiety in various ways. We built an ad hoc web-based survey, administered to the student population of three Italian universities at the beginning of the pandemic and at one year's distance, to collect information on retrospective and current anxiety levels and the underlining reasons. The survey also included questions concerning sociodemographic, economic, labor, lifestyle, academic career, and on-line teaching features, which prevents students from identifying the main survey topic to be anxiety. This research aims at assessing the change in anxiety levels between the analyzed periods and the main determinants of such change, focusing on students' economic expectancies. Results from a Poisson regression model show that anxiety has increased compared to both the pre-pandemic level and the one quantified during the first lockdown. This increase is revealed to be mostly driven by economic and career-related uncertainties, rather than by job loss and proximity to COVID-19. Thus, policymakers should take action to provide certainties both in terms of economic prospects and reopening strategies, especially to avoid that the resulting increase in anxiety translates into an amplified suicide risk.
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14
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Yam FC, Korkmaz O, Griffiths MD. The association between fear of Covid-19 and smartphone addiction among individuals: the mediating and moderating role of cyberchondria severity. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 42:2377-2390. [PMID: 34690474 PMCID: PMC8527295 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02324-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has quickly spread all over the world and has contributed to psychological consequences including fear of the virus. Depending upon the severity of their problems, individuals often search the internet via their mobile devices to understand whether the symptoms they perceive are symptoms of the disease. This condition has been termed 'cyberchondria'. In this context, the aim of this study is examine the mediating and moderating role of cyberchondria severity in the association between smartphone addiction and the fear of COVID-19. The sample comprised 520 participants (335 females [64.4%], 185 males [35.6%] aged 17 to 65 years [Mean = 28.61 years, SD = 10.60]). A survey included the Cyberchondria Severity Scale Short-Form, The Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, and The Fear of COVID-19 Scale. Structural equation modeling and SPSS Process Macro moderator variable analysis were used to test the research model. The study found a positive association between smartphone addiction, fear of COVID-19, and cyberchondria severity. Cyberchondria severity had both moderating and mediating role in the association between smartphone addiction and the fear of COVID-19. In conclusion, it has been determined that during the COVID-19 pandemic, cyberchondria severity has negative effects on individuals' fear of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faruk Caner Yam
- Justice Vocational School, Gazisomanpaşa University, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Ozan Korkmaz
- Faculty of Education, Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University, Karaman, Turkey
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15
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A longitudinal investigation on problematic Facebook use, psychological distress and well-being during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21828. [PMID: 36528751 PMCID: PMC9758466 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26281-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The social isolation and the subsequent, increased use of Social Networking Sites due to the COVID-19 pandemic have had an impact on subjective well-being around the world. The present longitudinal study examined whether changes in psychological distress and well-being during the Italian second wave of the pandemic differ among people with different levels of Problematic Facebook Use (PFU). A total of 493 participants (Mage = 24.55 ± 7.25; 80.3% females) completed measures of passive use of Facebook, social comparison orientation on Facebook, fear of missing out, psychological distress (depressive symptoms and fear of COVID-19 pandemic) and well-being across three waves. Latent class analysis (LCA) categorized participants into three groups with different PFU levels: healthy users, moderate PFU users, and high PFU users. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) showed that the between-person level (class membership) accounted for most of the variability in psychological distress and well-being. No significant changes were found in psychological distress and well-being over time, but the High PFU users showed greater levels of psychological distress and lower levels of well-being at each time point. The findings of this study suggest that the relationship between PFU, psychological distress and well-being may reflect trait-like time-invariant differences between individuals rather than state-like changes.
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16
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Faruk MO, Devnath P, Kar S, Eshaa EA, Naziat H. Perception and determinants of Social Networking Sites (SNS) on spreading awareness and panic during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. HEALTH POLICY OPEN 2022; 3:100075. [PMID: 35915626 PMCID: PMC9330577 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpopen.2022.100075] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented and unique fallout worldwide and creates colossal disruption in human survival. During the pandemic, social networking sites (SNS) played a significant role in disseminating news related to the pandemic. Methods This research is based on primary data collected from 400 successful respondents via online Google Form. Bivariate Pearson's Chi-square and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the impact of the explanatory variables on the study variables. Results This study reveals that most respondents (n = 360, 90 %) use SNS to get up-to-date news, and 72.5 % (n = 290) read health-related information. The highest number of participants (n = 386, 96.5 %) were Facebook users. Multivariate binary logistic regression reveals that "reading news on SNS" and "sharing information related to COVID-19 on social media" significantly influence the spread of awareness of COVID-19. "Unauthentic news sources" and "stop using social media to stay away from panic" also have a substantial impact on the spread of panic during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion SNS has become an inevitable medium of information carrier nowadays. Social media users are found significantly aware of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this study might assist the concerned persons in taking the necessary steps to propagate authentic news and regulate appropriate policies to prevent spreading misinformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Omar Faruk
- Department of Statistics, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali-3814, Bangladesh,Corresponding author
| | - Popy Devnath
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali-3814, Bangladesh
| | - Sanchita Kar
- Institure for Developing Science and Health Initiatives, Kalshi Road, Mirpur, Dhaka-1216, Bangladesh
| | - Eshiika Afsana Eshaa
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chittagong, Chittagong-4331, Bangladesh
| | - Hakka Naziat
- Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute, Sher-E-Bangla Nagar, Agargaon, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh
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17
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Sun C, Li Y, Kwok SYCL, Mu W. The Relationship between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Problematic Social Media Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Serial Mediation Model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14924. [PMID: 36429643 PMCID: PMC9690134 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant interruptions to life certainty, and there has been a lack of research on the influence of uncertainty. The present research aimed to explore how intolerance of uncertainty, maladaptive coping strategies, and fear of missing out affect social media use in a Chinese community sample (N = 311) during the pandemic. Serial mediation analysis was applied, integrating the mediating role of maladaptive coping strategy and fear of missing out. Intolerance of uncertainty, maladaptive coping strategies, and fear of missing out was positively related to PSMU. Based on the mediation analysis, when age and gender were controlled, the direct effect of intolerance of uncertainty on PSMU was significant. The total indirect effect was also significant. The effect of intolerance of uncertainty on PSMU was mediated by maladaptive coping strategies and fear of missing out. Taken together, maladaptive coping strategies and fear of missing out played a serial mediating role between intolerance of uncertainty and PSMU. The findings imply that strategies to improve the tolerance of uncertainty, reduce fear of missing out, and relevant coping strategies could be potentially helpful in mitigating problematic social media use, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoran Sun
- Department of Behavioural and Social Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 518057, China
| | - Yumei Li
- Department of Behavioural and Social Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 518057, China
| | - Sylvia Y. C. L. Kwok
- Department of Behavioural and Social Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 518057, China
| | - Wenlong Mu
- School of Journalism and Communication, Wuhan University, Bayi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430072, China
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18
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Fear of missing out and fear of not being up to date: investigating different pathways towards social and process problematic smartphone use. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03368-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe present study introduces a new construct potentially associated with problematic smartphone use, that is the fear of not being up to date, and tests two serial mediation models, in which it was hypothesised that: (i) metacognitions and social smartphone use would be serial mediators of the relationship between the fear of missing out (FoMO) and problematic smartphone use (PSU); and (ii) metacognitions and process smartphone use would be serial mediators of the relationship between and the fear of not being up to date and PSU. A sample of 364 participants (F = 72.8%; mean age = 36.80 ± 15.32 years; age range: 18–75 years), recruited online, were administered a battery of self-report measures assessing FoMO, the fear of not being up to date, metacognitions about smartphone use, process and social smartphone use, and PSU. The serial mediation effect of metacognitions about smartphone use and process use on the relationship between the fear of not being up to date and PSU was significant (indirect effect = 0.004; 95% CI: [0.0006, 0.009]). Conversely, the serial mediation effect of metacognitions about smartphone use and social use on the relationship between FoMO and PSU was not significant (indirect effect = 0.002; 95% CI: [-0.003, 0.009]). Smartphone social use did not predict PSU. The current study highlights a possible pathway towards process smartphone use via a relatively new phenomenon termed “fear of not being up to date” within a metacognitive framework.
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19
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Amran MS, Jamaluddin KA. Adolescent Screen Time Associated with Risk Factor of Fear of Missing Out During Pandemic COVID-19. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2022; 25:398-403. [PMID: 35594262 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2021.0308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The use of digital technology for educational and recreational purposes among adolescents has drastically increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the prolonged isolation and excessive screen time of the social media platforms might lead to mental health issues, particularly the fear of missing out (FOMO). Thus, this study is aimed at exploring the adolescent's screen time and its contribution to FOMO. This study employed a qualitative method using semi-structured interviews with 30 selected adolescents. The data were collected during the third peak of the pandemic period in Malaysia, between the 11th of April 2021 and the 1st of July 2021. The results revealed that there were four issues related to the FOMO: loneliness, life satisfaction, self-disclosures, and social comparison. In short, self-regulation and awareness on the effects of long screen time need to be instilled among the adolescents during the pandemic. Also, it is pivotal to address the psychological needs, such as healthy social interactions in ensuring the adolescents are not inclined toward FOMO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Syawal Amran
- Faculty of Education, Centre of Research in Teaching and Learning, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Khairul Azhar Jamaluddin
- Faculty of Education, Centre of Education Leadership and Policy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
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20
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Celia G, Tessitore F, Cavicchiolo E, Girelli L, Limone P, Cozzolino M. Improving University Students' Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence From an Online Counseling Intervention in Italy. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:886538. [PMID: 35664487 PMCID: PMC9157237 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.886538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The mental health of university students is significantly affected when faced with public health emergencies and requires specific interventions to help support and prevent any long-lasting effects that the pandemic may have on their mental health status. This study aims to evaluate the impact of an online individual counseling intervention provided by the University of Foggia and carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health status of a sample of university students. Methods 32 Italian undergraduate students took part in a one-group pretest-posttest research design. The data was gathered in two times: before the start of the counseling intervention (T1), positive and negative affect, satisfaction with life, global mental distress, anxiety, stress, and future time perspective were collected, at the end of the counseling intervention (T2), the same dimensions were measured. A one-way repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed, and single Bonferroni-corrected dependent t-tests were conducted on variables showing a significant change over time. Results The results showed that positive affect, subjective well-being, and future time perspective increased significantly after the intervention. In contrast, the participants reported significantly lower levels of negative affect, global mental distress, state and trait anxiety, as well as perceived stress over time. Conclusions The study demonstrates the promising impact of online counseling intervention and its efficient contribution in promoting the well-being of university students. The results contribute to the ongoing debate concerning the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young adults, helping professionals develop more efficient clinical and psychological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Celia
- Department of Economics, Management and Territory, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Francesca Tessitore
- Department of Humanities, Philosophy and Education, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Elisa Cavicchiolo
- Department of Humanities, Philosophy and Education, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Laura Girelli
- Department of Humanities, Philosophy and Education, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Limone
- Department of Humanities, Literature and Cultural Heritage, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Mauro Cozzolino
- Department of Humanities, Philosophy and Education, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
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21
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The Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Well-Being of College Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095089. [PMID: 35564484 PMCID: PMC9100955 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an overall increase in stress and depression in society. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the psychological condition of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore factors influencing their daily functioning. The study focused on four main aspects such as mental well-being, sexuality, concern about financial status, and trust in medical authorities. The study was based on a specially designed survey. The questionnaire was created using Google Forms and shared on social media sites. A total of 630 students participated in the survey, 17 surveys were excluded due to incomplete data and 613 surveys (97.30%) were considered for the final analysis. During isolation, 68.0% of students experienced fear of missing out (FOMO). A total of 73.4% were frustrated due to spending a lot of time in front of a computer. A significant decrease in motivation to study was reported by 78.1% of the respondents. Students showed significantly different attitudes towards sexuality. Concern about the financial situation was reported by 48.7% of respondents. The state of the Polish economy was of concern to 86.4% of respondents. A total of 74.5% of students declared concern about their career development. During the pandemic, 59.0% of respondents became concerned about their health. The attitude towards vaccination was described as positive by 82.5% of the respondents. The percentage of respondents experiencing negative psychological effects relative to the overall epidemiological situation of COVID-19 is troubling. Given the unexpected length and severity of the pandemic, we suggest that students’ concerns be more thoroughly understood and addressed.
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22
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Melotti G, Bonomo M, Hakoköngäs E, Pivetti M. Social representations of coronavirus/COVID-19 in Italy: Psychosocial anchoring to conspiracy beliefs, vaccine hesitancy, and the psychological dimension. JOURNAL OF PACIFIC RIM PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [PMCID: PMC8814431 DOI: 10.1177/18344909221074469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
From the societal approach of the Theory of Social Representations, this study
aimed to investigate the social representations of coronavirus/COVID-19 among
the Italian population. By means of an online questionnaire, 599 individuals
participated in the research, with a mean age of 38.09 years (SD = 14.44), 62.1%
being women. The instrument was composed of sociodemographic questions, free
association technique for the inductive term “coronavirus/COVID-19” and scales
on conspiracy beliefs, vaccine hesitancy, and psychological dimension. The
results allowed us to identify four social representations: “Citizens driven by
Social Representations anchored to factual Covid-19 pandemic data,” with lower
vaccine hesitancy and conspiracy beliefs, and greater faith in science;
“Citizens with low confidence in anti-pandemic preventive measures by
government,” with lower agreement with restriction measures; “Emotional people,”
with higher agreement with restriction measures and expression of psychological
distress; and “Minority group of Citizens driven by denial of Covid-19,” with
higher vaccine hesitancy and conspiracy beliefs. We discuss the different social
representations identified from the psychological and psychosocial anchoring
processes in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giannino Melotti
- Department of Education Studies “Giovanni Maria Bertin”—EDU, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mariana Bonomo
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Eemeli Hakoköngäs
- Department of Social Sciences, Social Psychology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Monica Pivetti
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
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23
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Evidence on Problematic Online Gaming and Social Anxiety over the Past Ten Years: a Systematic Literature Review. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40429-021-00406-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
The present study aimed to review the literature concerning the relationship between problematic online gaming (POG) and social anxiety, taking into account the variables implicated in this relationship. This review included studies published between 2010 and 2020 that were indexed in major databases with the following keywords: Internet gaming, disorder, addiction, problematic, social phobia, and social anxiety.
Recent Findings
In recent years, scientific interest in POG has grown dramatically. Within this prolific research field, difficulties associated with social anxiety have been increasingly explored in relation to POG. Indeed, evidence showed that individuals who experience social anxiety are more exposed to the risk of developing an excessive or addictive gaming behavior.
Summary
A total of 30 studies satisfied the initial inclusion criteria and were included in the present literature review. Several reviewed studies found a strong association between social anxiety and online gaming disorder. Furthermore, the relationships among social anxiety, POG, age, and psychosocial and comorbid factors were largely explored. Overall, the present review showed that socially anxious individuals might perceive online video games as safer social environments than face-to-face interactions, predisposing individuals to the POG. However, in a mutually reinforcing relationship, individuals with higher POG seem to show higher social anxiety. Therefore, despite online gaming might represent an activity able to alleviate psychopathological symptoms and/or negative emotional states, people might use online gaming to counterbalance distress or negative situations in everyday life, carrying out a maladaptive coping strategy.
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24
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Al-Mamun F, Hosen I, Griffiths MD, Mamun MA. Facebook use and its predictive factors among students: Evidence from a lower- and middle-income country, Bangladesh. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:945802. [PMID: 35966488 PMCID: PMC9373921 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.945802] [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: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Facebook is a popular social networking site in the modern world. It has an adverse effect such as impairing daily health and psychological health and also interpersonal relationships when the use becomes problematic. AIMS To examine problematic Facebook use (PFU) and its predictors among Bangladeshi students during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 601 Bangladeshi students and collected data related to socio-demographic information, behavioral health, internet use behavior, depression, anxiety and problematic Facebook use [assessed using the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS)]. The data were analyzed using descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (independent sample t-tests, one-way ANOVAs, correlations, and multivariable linear regression). RESULTS The results indicated that 29.1% of participants were problematic Facebook users (using cutoff ≥18 out of 30). Medical college students had higher mean score on PFU than other students (p < 0.001). In addition, the mean score of PFU was significantly higher among the students who were in a relationship (p = 0.001), did not engage in physical activity (p < 0.001), used the internet more than 5 h per day (p < 0.001), used social media (p < 0.001), and had depression or anxiety symptoms (p < 0.001). PFU was significantly associated with depression and anxiety among the whole sample. Predictive factors for PFU included relationship status, daily internet use time, gaming, social media use, depression, and anxiety. The model predicted almost 33.2% variance for PFU. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest interventions should be implemented for students with a special focus on medical students who had higher score of PFU than other types of students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firoj Al-Mamun
- CHINTA Research Bangladesh, Savar, Bangladesh.,Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Bangladesh.,Department of Public Health, University of South Asia, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ismail Hosen
- CHINTA Research Bangladesh, Savar, Bangladesh.,Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Bangladesh
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammed A Mamun
- CHINTA Research Bangladesh, Savar, Bangladesh.,Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Bangladesh.,Department of Public Health, University of South Asia, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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25
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Bobby RR, K. A. Z, Mohan N. The Mediating Role of Consumption-Oriented SNS Usage on Fear of Missing Out and Social Comparison. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF E-ADOPTION 2022. [DOI: 10.4018/ijea.309401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the paper is to examine the influence of the mediating role of consumption-oriented social networking site (SNS) usage on fear of missing out (FOMO) and social comparison. This descriptive study was conducted amongst a sample of 737 SNS users in India. Structural equation modeling was done to test the hypotheses. Analysis revealed that FOMO enhanced consumption-oriented SNS usage and social comparison orientation. Results also showed that consumption-oriented SNS usage partially mediates the relationship between FOMO and social comparison orientation. This study is pioneering in conceptualizing and testing a theoretical model linking fear of missing out, consumption-oriented SNS usage, and social comparison. In the context of social networking sites users between the age group of 18 to 45 years, implications concerning fear of missing out and social comparisons which are triggered in the presence of consumption-oriented SNS usage is elaborated, thus striving to fill the gap within the existing literature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Neethu Mohan
- Cochin University of Science and Technology, India
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Weinstein AM. Problematic Social Networking Site use-effects on mental health and the brain. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1106004. [PMID: 36741578 PMCID: PMC9893026 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1106004] [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: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The association between excessive use of Social Networking Sites (SNS) and mental health is raising serious concern among health and education professionals. Problematic SNS use has been associated with an increased rate of depression, anxiety, stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and propensity to excessive alcohol use. It may also lead to vulnerability to aggression, cyberbullying and fear of missing out (FOMO). There is little evidence for cognitive impairments, but there is some preliminary event-related potentials (ERPs) evidence for inefficiency in allocating and monitoring resources and inhibitory control. Problematic SNS has been associated with the personality traits of conscientiousness agreeableness and neuroticism, and with narcissism. There is evidence for reduced sleep quality and quantity, longer sleeping latency and more sleep disturbance. The few brain imaging studies show some similarity between problematic SNS use and other addictions related to inhibitory-control mechanism, reduced gray matter volumes in the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and the insula, suggesting rewarding effects of SNS use on the brain. Finally, there is preliminary evidence that treatment with Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) can assist in short-term abstinence intervention to treat problematic SNS use. We conclude that problematic SNS use may have deleterious effects on emotional and social relationships, and more research is required on its effects on cognitive and brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviv M Weinstein
- Psychology and Behavioral Science, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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Di Basilio D, Shigemura J, Guglielmucci F. Commentary: SARS-CoV-2 and Asbestos Exposure: Can Our Experience With Mesothelioma Patients Help Us Understand the Psychological Consequences of COVID-19 and Develop Interventions? Front Psychol 2021; 12:720160. [PMID: 34566802 PMCID: PMC8458809 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.720160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Di Basilio
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jun Shigemura
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Mejiro University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Fanny Guglielmucci
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Laboratory of Research and Interventions in Psychoanalysis (psiA), Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Fioravanti G, Casale S, Benucci SB, Prostamo A, Falone A, Ricca V, Rotella F. Fear of missing out and social networking sites use and abuse: A meta-analysis. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2021.106839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Boursier V, Musetti A, Gioia F, Flayelle M, Billieux J, Schimmenti A. Is Watching TV Series an Adaptive Coping Strategy During the COVID-19 Pandemic? Insights From an Italian Community Sample. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:599859. [PMID: 33967845 PMCID: PMC8097049 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.599859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Social distancing and lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic substantially impacted individuals' daily habits and well-being. Within such a context, digital technology may provide a welcome source of alternative forms of connection and entertainment. Indeed, streaming services showed a remarkable increase in membership subscriptions throughout the period considered. However, excessive involvement in watching TV series has recently become a subject of scholarly concern as it may represent an emerging form of addictive behavior with the features of what has been labeled as "binge-watching" (i.e., watching multiple episodes of TV series in a single session). The current study aimed to assess TV series watching behaviors and related motivations, as well as their relationships with depression, stress and anxiety, in a sample of Italian adults during the COVID-19 lockdown. Specifically, we aimed to explore which patterns of motivations and emotional states influenced either a high but healthy engagement in watching TV series, or promoted problematic and uncontrolled watching behavior under such circumstances. A total of 715 adults (M = 31.70, SD = 10.81; 71.5% female) from all over Italy were recruited (from 1st to 30th April 2020) through advertisements via social media platforms of Italian university communities and other online groups. Two multiple hierarchical regression analyses were performed with non-problematic and problematic TV series watching set as dependent variables. Results showed that people spent more time watching TV series during the pandemic lockdown, especially women who also reported higher levels of anxiety and stress than men. Moreover, both non-problematic (R 2 = 0.56; p < 0.001) and problematic (R 2 = 0.33; p < 0.001) TV series watching behaviors were equally induced by anxiety symptoms and escapism motivation, thereby suggesting that watching TV series during the COVID-19 lockdown probably served as a recovery strategy to face such a stressful situation. Finally, our findings also suggest that enrichment motives may protect from uncontrolled and potentially addictive watching behaviors. These findings, therefore, hold important implications, particularly for avoiding the over-pathologization of excessive involvement in online activities emerging as a result of specific distressing situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Boursier
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Musetti
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Gioia
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maèva Flayelle
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joël Billieux
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Adriano Schimmenti
- Faculty of Human and Society Sciences, Kore University of Enna, Enna, Italy
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