Relationship between Self-Identity Confusion and Internet Addiction among College Students: The Mediating Effects of Psychological Inflexibility and Experiential Avoidance

Socioeconomic status and internet addiction: double-mediated moderation

BACKGROUND

Internet addiction is typically linked with a variety of psychological and behavioral problems, the prevalence of Internet addiction among Chinese college students was higher than that of the general population.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to test the mediating and moderating effects of socioeconomic status (SES), loneliness, alienation and grade on Internet addiction among Chinese college students.

METHODS

Total of 496 college students were studied, partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was conducted to analyze the obtained data.

RESULTS

The study found that SES can negatively predict Internet addiction (β=-0.145, p < 0.001). Moreover, loneliness and alienation play separate (β=-0.098, p < 0.001; β=-0.046, p < 0.01) and serial (β=-0.071, p < 0.001) mediating roles between SES and Internet addiction, and multigroup analysis showed that grade (sophomore year as the baseline) plays a moderation role in the association between SES → Internet addiction (sophomores vs. juniors; β = 0.249, p < 0.05) and SES →loneliness (sophomore vs. seniors; β = 0.255, p < 0.05). The VAF value was 70.27% for the mediation effect of the loneliness and alienation in the relationship between SES and Internet addiction.

CONCLUSIONS

SES not only has a direct effect on college students' Internet addiction behavior but also has an indirect effect on it through the chain mediation effect of loneliness and alienation. The study reveals that grade level moderates the effects, suggesting tailored interventions are needed. This research could inform measures to mitigate addiction by addressing SES, loneliness, and alienation.

Psychological Flexibility in Individuals With Substance Use Disorder: The Mediating Effect of Distress Tolerance and Stress

INTRODUCTION

Psychological flexibility is posited to aid individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) in managing stress and tolerating distress. However, the intricacies of this mechanism remain obscure.

AIM

This study investigates the potential mediating role of psychological flexibility in the relationship between distress tolerance and perceived stress among individuals with SUD.

METHOD

This cross-sectional study evaluated 187 individuals with SUD, selected through non-probability convenience sampling, using the Introductory Information Form, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Distress Tolerance Scale and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Substance Abuse. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 25 and further refined with Jamovi 2.4.14, employing advanced mediation analysis techniques.

RESULTS

Significant relationships were found between distress tolerance, perceived stress and psychological flexibility. Mediation model analysis showed that psychological flexibility mediated the relationship between distress tolerance and perceived stress.

DISCUSSION

This study revealed that higher distress tolerance, higher psychological flexibility and lower perceived stress were associated. As individuals adopt a more flexible and accepting attitude towards distressing situations, they perceive stressful events as less threatening and more manageable.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The study suggests the need for psychiatric and mental health nursing practice and education to incorporate strategies to increase psychological flexibility.

Exploring the relationship between resilience and internet addiction in Chinese college students: The mediating roles of life satisfaction and loneliness

Internet addiction is of great impact on college students' academic performance, life quality and mental health. Although it's well documented the association between resilience and Internet addiction among college students, the mechanism underlying it are not well acknowledged. The study applied resilience scale, the Chinese Internet Addiction Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale and the third edition of the UCLA Loneliness Scale to explore the mechanism of action between resilience and Internet addiction in college students by applied questionnaire investigation. A total of 813 college students (321 male, Mean age = 22.55) participated in the study. We found resilience and life satisfaction of college students were negatively correlated with Internet addiction (β = -0.85, t = -21.35, p < 0.001; β = -0.08, t = -2.23, p < 0.05), while loneliness was positively correlated with Internet addiction (β = 0.17, t = 7.42, p < 0.01). Furthermore, mediating analyses showed life satisfaction and loneliness played mediating role in the relationship between resilience and Internet addiction (β = -0.90, t = -58.76, p < 0.001). Measures such as strengthening the construction of college students' mental health courses to improve their resilience and life satisfaction, and providing rich community activities to reduce college students' loneliness have been put forward to reduce college students' Internet addiction.

Longitudinal associations between family functioning and generalized anxiety among adolescents: the mediating role of self-identity and cognitive flexibility

BACKGROUND

Generalized anxiety (GA) is showing a high prevalence among adolescents nowadays; investigations on influencing factors and potential mechanisms are important to inform intervention development. The present two-wave study investigated the ways in which family functioning predicted GA six months later among adolescents, by considering the mediating role of self-identity and cognitive flexibility.

METHODS

Adolescents were recruited from 27 randomly selected classes in two secondary schools in Chongqing and Fujian Province, China. Survey questionnaires assessing family functioning, self-identity, cognitive flexibility and GA were obtained from 1223 adolescents (Mage = 13.14, SD = 1.35) at two time points of the 6-month interval.

RESULTS

The association between family functioning (T1) and GA (T2) was significant (r= -0.152, p < 0.01). Self-identity and cognitive flexibility sequentially mediated the relationship between family functioning (T1) and GA (T2) (with the indirect effect = -0.005, 95% CI = -0.007~ -0.002) after controlling for age, gender, and GA at baseline. Cognitive flexibility also showed a significant and direct mediating effect (with the indirect effect = -0.008, 95% CI = -0.012 ~ -0.005).

CONCLUSION

Findings indicated that family functioning can be a protective factor of GA, and self-identity and cognitive flexibility act as a crucial role in the association between family functioning and GA. Future studies should adopt more time points and long-term follow-up assessments using more robust approaches to improve the reliability of the study findings. Findings may offer some implications that building a harmonious, open and warm family and guiding adolescents to develop self-identity as well as more flexible cognitive style could be helpful to prevent and cope with anxious emotion.

Online Self-Disclosure and Self-Concept Clarity Among Chinese Middle School Students: A Longitudinal Study

The relationship between online self-disclosure and self-concept clarity has been previously examined through cross-sectional studies. This study examined causal connections between online self-disclosure and self-concept clarity among Chinese middle school students using longitudinal data collected over 18 months. Participants were 535 seventh-grade students aged 12-14 years (Mage = 12.93, SD = 0.54, 43.18% girls), assessed four times, six months apart. In a random intercept cross-lagged panel model, self-concept clarity significantly predicted online self-disclosure. Latent growth mixture modeling identified two distinct growth trajectories for both online self-disclosure (Rapid change, 7%; Slow change, 93%) and self-concept clarity (Rapid change, 8%; No change, 92%). Multiple logistic regression analysis suggested that changes in self-concept clarity influenced the developmental trajectory profile of online self-disclosure. Although male and female students differed in online self-disclosure and self-concept clarity, gender differences in the developmental trajectory profiles of online self-disclosure and self-concept clarity were not significant. Supporting adolescents in developing a clear self-concept to mitigate risks associated with excessive online self-disclosure is important.

The longitudinal impact of reinforcement sensitivity on internet addiction among college students: the mediating role of self-control

Introduction

As the rapid expanding of internet technology, it is necessary to pay attention to the factors that predict Internet addiction. This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal impact of reinforcement sensitivity on internet addiction among college students and the mediating role of self-control.

Methods

The study involves two follow-up assessments with a 5-month interval. 383 college students' reinforcement sensitivity, self-control, and internet addiction were measured at two-time points.

Results

①The revised Behavioral Approach System (r-BAS) at Time Point 1 (T1) could predict both T1 and Time Point 2 (T2) internet addiction through the complete mediation of T1 self-control. ②The revised Behavioral Inhibition System (r-BIS) at T1, along with the Fight/Flight/Freeze System (FFFS), can predict T1 and T2 internet addiction through the partial mediation of T1 self-control.

Conclusion

Reinforcement sensitivity can predict current and future internet addiction, with self-control playing a mediating role. This study provides longitudinal experimental evidence for the revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (r-RST), further revealing the underlying mechanisms through which reinforcement sensitivity influences internet addiction. Additionally, it has implications for clinical intervention.

Predictors of problematic smartphone use among young adult lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic: a four-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

This 4-year follow-up study was conducted to evaluate the predictive effects of prepandemic individual and environmental factors on problematic smartphone use (PSU) among young adult lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Data on prepandemic PSU, demographics, sexual stigma (e.g., perceived sexual stigma from family members, internalized sexual stigma, and sexual microaggression), self-identity confusion (e.g., disturbed identity, unconsolidated identity, and lack of identity), anxiety, depression, and family support were collected from 1,000 LGB individuals between August 2018 and June 2019. The participants' PSU was surveyed again after 4 years (between August 2022 and June 2023). The associations of prepandemic individual and environmental factors with PSU at follow-up were analyzed through linear regression.

RESULTS

In total, 673 (67.3%) participants completed the follow-up assessment. The severity of PSU significantly decreased after 4 years (p = .001). Before the incorporation of PSU at baseline into the analysis model, the results of the model revealed that high levels depressive symptoms (p < .001), disturbed identity (p < .001), and perceived sexual stigma from family members (p = .025) at baseline were significantly associated with PSU at follow-up. After the incorporation of PSU at baseline into the analysis model, the results of the model revealed that high levels PSU (p < .001) and depressive symptoms (p = .002) at baseline were significantly associated with PSU at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Interventions aimed at reducing the severity of PSU among LGB individuals should be designed considering the predictors identified in our study.

Influence of psychological inflexibility and mindfulness on hypersexuality and sexual satisfaction in a Spanish sample

Sexual satisfaction is tremendously relevant to wellbeing and quality of life. Inversely, hypersexuality may increase the risk of psychological distress, unprotected sex, and marital problems. This study attempts to explore the sociodemographic variables related to hypersexuality and the relationship between hypersexuality and sexual dissatisfaction with psychological inflexibility, cognitive fusion, body awareness, bodily dissociation, and mindfulness skills in the Spanish population. The sample was made up of 530 participants between 18 and 67 years of age. In total, 5.5% displayed hypersexuality, more likely in males, lesbians and gay men, singles, and students. An online survey was conducted including standardized questionnaires as follows: AAQ-II, CFQ, SBC, MAAS, NSSS-S, and HBI. Significant moderate positive correlations were found between hypersexuality and psychological inflexibility, cognitive fusion, and bodily dissociation, and an inverse moderate correlation with mindfulness skills. Moderate negative correlations were found between sexual satisfaction and bodily dissociation. Linear regression showed psychological inflexibility was the variable with the most weight on hypersexuality, while bodily dissociation was the variable with the most influence on sexual dissatisfaction. This study suggests lesbians and gay men, males, and singles may show an increased vulnerability toward engaging in hypersexual behavior and provides justification for interventions focused on psychological inflexibility and mindfulness skills to treat hypersexuality and improve sexual satisfaction.

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

Background

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

Aims

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

Method

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

Can Adverse Childhood Experiences Heighten Risk for Problematic Internet and Smartphone Use? Findings from a College Sample

Background: College students are among the heaviest users of smartphones and the Internet, and there is growing concern regarding problematic Internet (PIU) and smartphone use (PSU). A subset of adverse childhood experiences, household dysfunction [(HHD) e.g.; parental substance use, mental illness, incarceration, suicide, intimate partner violence, separation/divorce, homelessness], are robust predictors of behavioral disorders; however, few studies have investigated the link between HHD and PIU and PSU and potential protective factors, such as social support, among students. Methods: Data are from a diverse California student sample (N = 1027). The Smartphone Addiction Scale—Short Version and Internet Addiction Test assessed dimensions of addiction. Regression models tested associations between students’ level of HHD (No HHD, 1–3 HHD, ≥4 HHD) and PSU and PIU, and the role of extrafamilial social support in these relationships, adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, SES, employment loss due to COVID-19, and depression. Results: Compared to students reporting no HHD, students with ≥4 HHD had twice the odds (AOR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.21–3.40) of meeting criteria for PSU, while students with 1–3 HHD and ≥4 HHD had three and six times the odds of moderate to severe PIU (AORs: 2.03–2.46, CI:1.21–3.96) after adjusting for covariates. Extrafamilial social support was inversely associated with PIU and moderated the HHD–PSU association for students with 1–3 HHD. Conclusion: Students exposed to HHD may be especially vulnerable to developing behavioral addictions such as PSU and PIU. Extrafamilial social support offset the negative effects of HHD for PSU among the moderate risk group; implications for prevention efforts are discussed.

Concurrent and Longitudinal Relationships between Positive Youth Development Attributes and Adolescent Internet Addiction Symptoms in Chinese Mainland High School Students

In view of growing adolescent Internet addiction (IA) in the global context, there is a great need to understand the predictors of IA and design related evidence-based intervention and prevention programs. This longitudinal study investigated the relationships between Positive Youth Development (PYD) attributes and IA problems and the mediating role of life satisfaction using a large sample of Chinese high school students (N = 2648). Separated by one academic year, students completed a questionnaire evaluating their adolescent psychosocial adjustment, including validated PYD and IA measures. Multiple regression and structural equation modeling analyses were used. Consistent with the theoretical predictions of PYD models, results revealed a significant negative influence of PYD attributes on IA symptoms concurrently and longitudinally. In particular, general PYD attributes, such as emotional competence, spirituality, and resilience, showed strong and stable protective effects against IA. Life satisfaction also served as a mediator of the influence of all measures of PYD attributes on IA symptoms. The study underlines the importance of PYD attributes in promoting adolescents’ life satisfaction and preventing IA, and thus contributes to the design and implementation of evidence-based intervention and prevention programs.

Emerging Health and Education Issues Related to Internet Technologies and Addictive Problems

This timely editorial paper outlines some of the main emerging research on technological topics on health and education approaches to Internet use-related problems before and during the beginning of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Background: The aim is to provide a brief overview to facilitate a rapid comprehensive and practical approach to these new trends to promote research, interventions, education, and prevention. Methods: The rapid review includes an analysis of both health and education technologies studies on Internet use-related addiction problems included in the Special Issue “Internet and Smartphone Use-Related Addiction Health Problems: Treatment, Education and Research” to extract recent findings and a few reflections about the development of the field before and during the first wave of the COVID-19. Results: Main findings highlighted studies which tended to be empirical, with a relational type associating specific addictive problems with individual and a few contextual factors in adult populations. Psychometric studies about scales are prevalent, but predictive and mixed methods ones are starting to emerge, together with reviews about conceptualisation, measure, treatment, and prevention. Conclusions: From the arrival of Internet, our societies have converged in a global culture which has impacted health and educational domains. Internet use-related addiction problems have globally emerged and common knowledge, advances, and strategies exist to overcome challenges which are starting to be tested, and prevention interest has arisen in a pandemic situation with global health problems holistically tackled.

Problematic Mobile Phone Use by Hong Kong Adolescents

Background

Recently there have been growing concerns about problematic mobile phone use by adolescent populations. This study aimed to address this concern through a study of severity and correlates of problematic mobile phone use with a sample of Hong Kong adolescents.

Methods

Data were collected from a sample of adolescents from three local secondary schools (ranging from high to low academic achievement levels) using a measuring scale (PCPU-Q, Yen et al., 2009) designated for Chinese adolescents. Participants were allocated into groups of “problematic users” and “non-problematic users” based on the number of occurrence of symptoms due to excessive and maladaptive use of mobile phone and possible functional impairments caused by problematic mobile phone use. A group of “at-risk users” was identified. A sample-based examination on distribution of these three groups of users was conducted via frequency counts and percentage calculation. A series of t-test were performed to make comparisons between “problematic” and “non-problematic” groups on selected personality and health related variable. Risk and protective factors were identified via correlational analysis and logistic regression analysis.

Results

Under a more stringent cut-off criterion of four or more reported symptoms (out of seven) plus one or more reported functional impairments (out of five), 22.9% of the adolescents participating in this study could be classified as problematic mobile phone users. However, a more lenient criterion (only 4 or more reported symptoms without consideration of functional impairment) reported a substantially more severe prevalence rate (29.3%). A new group of “at-risk” adolescents (6.4%) was identified with such a discrepancy of prevalence rate. Gender difference, some risk and protective factors were also identified for developing this technology-related problem.

Discussion and Conclusions

Adolescents who are vulnerable to suffer from this technology-related problem deserve more attention from helping professionals. Results of this study throw some insights on how to identify problematic mobile phone user applying a criterion-referenced approach. This study echoes a recent call for adopting a developmental perspective in understanding this problem and conducting research in this area. Anchored on present findings, effective interventions to tackle this rising problem among adolescents are suggested.

Profiles of Mobile Phone Use, Cyberbullying, and Emotional Intelligence in Adolescents

The use of mobile phones has great benefits for communication. However, evidence has shown that problematic use, such as cyberbullying, can also be associated with mobile phones. In this sense, emotional regulation plays an important role. The objective of this study was to identify different groups that varied in terms of conflicts related to problematic mobile phone use (namely, maladaptive communication and emotional patterns). Furthermore, the study aimed to examine whether there were significant differences in the dimensions of emotional intelligence and cyberbullying between adolescents with a mobile phone use problem. The study participants were 810 students aged between 12 and 16 years. The Emotional Coefficient Inventory questionnaire about cyberbullying and a questionnaire on experiences related to mobile phones were used. The cluster analysis identified three different types of mobile phone use: A group displaying no problematic use, a group displaying moderately problematic use, and a group displaying problematic use. The study results motivate carrying out stress management programs, emotional re-education, and other actions that reinforce emotional intelligence.

Profiles of Problematic Internet Use in Bullying and Cyberbullying among Adolescents

The rise of technology has increased risks such as problematic internet use or cyberbullying. Data show that there is problematic use of the internet, which has important repercussions academically, personally, socially and for health. The objective of this study was to identify different profiles that vary according to intra- and interpersonal conflicts related to internet use. In addition, this study aimed to examine whether there are significant differences in bullying and cyberbullying among adolescents with a conflict related to internet use. The study participants were 810 students of Compulsory Secondary Education (M = 13.99, SD = 1.32). The Questionnaire on School Violence and the Questionnaire of Experiences Related to Internet was use. The latent profile analysis identified four different types of conflicts related to internet use: (a) high levels in intra- and interpersonal conflicts; (b) low levels intra- and interpersonal conflicts; (c) moderate intra- and interpersonal conflicts and (d) very high levels in intra- and interpersonal conflicts. The results of the study indicated that there were significant differences in the manifestations of school violence between the profiles. This study assists in educational programs to prevent conflicts related to internet use and school violence through emotional adjustment.

Prevalence and associated factors of Internet addiction among undergraduate students at Al-Beheira Governorate, Egypt

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors associated with Internet addiction (IA) among undergraduate students.

METHODS

In total, 608 undergraduate students aged 18-24 years were randomly included in a population-based cross-sectional study conducted during June-August 2018.

RESULTS

The prevalence rate of IA was (47.5%) with moderate and severe IA (35.5% and 12.0%, respectively). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, sociodemographic variables (age, gender, and residence) Internet use pattern factors (Internet use for entertainment, games, and communication purposes, spending more than 4 h per day using the Internet, Internet access at home, and smartphone use), lifestyle variables (lack of physical activity and sleeping less than 6 h daily) were found to be independently associated with Internet addiction.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results of this the study around 50% of undergraduate students are at risk for developing addiction to the Internet. Internet addiction was found to be associated with lifestyle and behavior factors.