Alexithymia, Dissociation, and Family Functioning in a Sample of Online Gamblers: A Moderated Mediation Study

Problematic Gambling Behavior in a Sample of Gamblers: The Role of Alexithymia, Dissociation Features, and External Locus of Control

Gambling disorder is a severe condition that significantly compromises the lives of those affected. In light of this clinical relevance, the literature on the antecedents of this form of addiction is constant and continually evolving. Consistently with this framework, the present research aimed at investigating the role of some risk factors in gambling disorder, with a specific focus on alexithymia, dissociation, and locus of control. The research involved a sample of 290 participants (183 males and 107 females; Mage = 34.43, SD = 14.65) who practice gambling at least occasionally. They completed an online survey including the South Oaks Gambling Screen, Twenty-Items Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Dissociative Experience Scale-II, and Locus of Control of Behavior. ANOVA and a moderated-mediation model were implemented to analyse the collected data. Results showed that 19.0% of the participants were At Risk and Problem Gamblers, while 27.6% fell into the category of Problematic Gamblers. Problematic Gamblers showed significantly higher levels of alexithymia, dissociation, and external locus of control. Moreover, a significant association between alexithymia and the severity of problematic gambling behaviour was found and was significantly mediated by absorption (a dissociation feature). Furthermore, the external locus of control significantly moderated this indirect effect. The role of gender as a covariate was also investigated. Such findings may offer further insights into the field of clinical research on gambling disorder and may provide useful information for effective clinical practice.

Mediating Effect of Emotional Symptoms on the Association Between Alexithymia and Substance Dependence in Patients with Substance Use Disorder: The Protective Role of Family Support and Self-Efficacy

Background

The etiology of the association between alexithymia and substance use is complex, and there is an urgent need to explore the related factors. The aims of this study were to develop a conceptual model to verify the mediating effect of emotional symptoms and moderating effect of family support and self-efficacy on the association between alexithymia and substance dependence.

Methods

A total of 117 participants (103 males and 14 females; age at 35.29 ± 8.72 years) with substance use disorder were analyzed. Outcome measures included demographic characteristics, severity of dependence, symptoms of alexithymia, emotional symptoms (depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms), level of family support, and self-efficacy. The PROCESS macro in SPSS was used to estimate path coefficients and adequacy of the moderated mediation model, which was adjusted for demographic characteristics.

Results

Most of the participants had amphetamine use disorder (n = 42, 35.9%). After controlling for the effects of demographic characteristics, the moderated mediation model showed that the association between alexithymia and substance dependence was mediated by emotional symptoms and moderated by family support and self-efficacy. A higher level of family support reduced the effect of alexithymia on emotional symptoms, and a higher level of self-efficacy reduced the effect of emotional symptoms on substance dependence.

Conclusion

Family support and self-efficacy have a protective effect on the association between alexithymia and substance dependence in patients with substance use disorder. Early interventions to enhance these protective factors may be beneficial.

The Mediating Role of Affect Dysregulation and Dissociation in the Relationship Between Attachment and Compulsive Online Shopping: A Path Analysis Model

Objective

Online shopping has been described by the scientific literature both for its benefits and the potential risks when excessive usage is involved. Indeed, compulsive online shopping is commonly conceptualized as a potential behavioural addiction that substantially impacts the lives of individuals afflicted by it. In light of this, the present research aimed at exploring the association between possible risk and protective factors for compulsive online shopping, by specifically exploring the role of adult attachment, affect dysregulation, and dissociation.

Method

285 participants (75% females, 25% males; Mage = 31.57, SD = 11.379) were involved in the research and completed an online survey. The collected data was analysed implementing a path analysis model.

Results

Results showed significant total effects in the relationship between secure/fearful attachment patterns and compulsive online shopping. Such associations were significantly mediated by the sequential effect of affect dysregulation and dissociation.

Conclusions

The present study provides useful information to guide tailored interventions concerning both preventive activity and clinical practice.

Problematic Social Media Use in Young Adults: A Mixed Serial-Parallel Mediation Model Involving Alexithymia, Defense Mechanisms, and Fear of Missing Out

Problematic social media use (PSMU) can have profound and detrimental effects across various domains of life. As a result, scientific investigations into the risk factors associated with this phenomenon can hold substantial practical implications within the clinical and preventive realms. Consistently with this framework, this study aimed to examine the relationship between certain variables and PSMU, with a specific focus on alexithymia, defense mechanisms, and fear of missing out (FoMO). A sample of 340 young adults (Mage = 26.42 years; SD = 3.689) completed an online survey, including the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, FoMO scale, 40-Item Defense Style Questionnaire, and 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Results showed a statistically significant mixed serial-parallel mediation model. A significant total effect in the association between alexithymia and FoMO emerged. Furthermore, defense mechanisms and FoMO significantly and totally mediated this relationship. These findings have the potential to provide valuable insights in the field of clinical research on PSMU, and can offer practical information for enhancing clinical practice.

Family Functioning Styles and Exercise Addiction: Disengaged, Enmeshed, and Rigid Family Patterns Are Associated with Exercise Addiction

Physical exercise is a widely recommended practice for promoting health, but for some individuals, this activity can result in pathological and morbid behaviour. Therefore, the study of the factors contributing to the onset, development, and progression of exercise addiction is particularly relevant. Within this framework, the present study assessed the effect of family functioning, body image concerns, age, and gender on exercise addiction. A sample of 300 regular exercisers (Mage = 30.3 years, SD = 11.6; 69.7% females, 30.3% males) participated in the study and completed the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales-IV, Body Image Concern Inventory, and Exercise Addiction Inventory. Data were analysed by implementing a series of moderated moderated-mediations. Results showed that three significant models were relevant. First, positive associations of disengaged (p < 0.05), enmeshed (p < 0.05), and rigid (p < 0.01) family functioning with exercise addiction were found. Furthermore, body image concerns mediated all these relationships, and the interaction between gender and age significantly moderated the effects of body image concerns on exercise addiction (p < 0.05). Such data may be useful for a deeper understanding of the variables associated with the development of exercise addiction, suggesting key elements on which it might be useful to focus in clinical and/or preventive activity.

The relationship between social media addiction, fear of missing out and family functioning: a structural equation mediation model

BACKGROUND

The use of social media became a daily activity for many individuals, with recreational, informational, and social purposes, to name a few. However, for some subjects, the use of these platforms may become problematic and generate functioning impairments in many life areas. Given this, the present research aimed at investigating the factor that may contribute to Social Media Addiction, by focusing on Fear of Missing Out and Family Functioning Patterns.

METHODS

A sample of 303 social media users (Mage = 35.29; SD = 14.87; 65% females, 35% males) completed a survey including the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales-IV, and Fear of Missing Out Scale. Data were analysed by implementing Pearson correlation and testing a mediation with the Structural Equation Model approach.

RESULTS

Cohesion, flexibility, and disengagement family functioning patterns were significantly associated with the levels of social media addiction. These dimensions were inserted in the structural equation model, where the full mediation of fear of missing out in their relationship with social media addiction was shown.

CONCLUSIONS

The data showed the protective effect of flexible and cohesive family functioning patterns, as well as the role of disengagement and, sequentially, fear of missing out as risk factors. These findings may provide useful indications to elaborate tailored and effective therapeutic and preventive activity.

The Relationships between Compulsive Internet Use, Alexithymia, and Dissociation: Gender Differences among Italian Adolescents

Internet Gaming Disorder, Internet Addiction, Problematic Internet Use and Compulsive Internet Use cause distress and significant impairment in important areas of a person's functioning, in particular among young people. The literature has indicated that males show higher levels of problematic internet use than females. People can use the internet to avoid or alleviate negative affects; in fact, problematic internet use is associated with alexithymia and dissociation. Few studies have focused on the different stages of adolescence, gender differences, and the relationships between the aforementioned variables. This research aims to fill this gap. Five hundred and ninety-four adolescents aged between 13 and 19 filled in the Compulsive Internet Use Scale, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Adolescents Dissociative Experiences Scale, and other ad hoc measures. Surprisingly, females reported higher compulsive internet use compared with males. Moreover, they referred more difficulties/symptoms and greater levels of alexithymia than males. No differences across the stages of adolescence were found. Different strengths in the relationships between variables were found according to gender. Moderated mediation analyses indicated that dissociation is an important mediator in the relation between alexithymia and Compulsive Internet Use only among females. This study shed new light on gender differences around problematic internet use and some related risk factors, in order to identify and develop prevention and treatment programs to face this topical and relevant issue.

How general functioning of family affects gambling-related beliefs: the mediating role of communication and the moderating role of impulsivity trait

Background

Gambling behaviors can be exhibited by individuals raised in families with impaired parent-child communication and individuals with more impulsive traits. However, it remains unclear how gambling-related beliefs are modulated by impulsivity traits and parent-child communication styles.

Methods

A total of 95 adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) diagnosed via DSM-5 criteria with gambling disorder (GD) completed our questionnaire. Participants filled out pen-and-paper questionnaires that included basic demographic information, the Family Assessment Device (FAD), Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale (PACS), Gambling Attitude and Belief Survey (GABS), and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS). We used a moderation mediation model to explore the relationship between variables. The study results were considered statistically significant if p < 0.05, or the 95% confidence interval did not contain zero.

Results

The scores of the problems in communication with mother subscale (PCMS) of PACS were significantly positively correlated with the scores of GABS and the general functioning 12-item subscale (GF12) of FAD. The relationship between the scores of GF12 and GABS was completely mediated [β = 4.83, (1.12, 10.02)] by PCMS scores, and the BIS scores moderated this relationship: the predictive path between GF12 and PCMS scores [index of moderated was β = -0.25, (-0.60, -0.04)], and the indirect predictive front path between the scores of GF12 and GABS were significant only in subjects with low BIS scores.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that poor general functioning of the family may increase gambling-related beliefs as a result of communication problems with mothers, and this result is only significant for individuals with low impulsivity. When treating patients with GD, more treatment of mother-child communication issues and individual impulsivity may be more conducive to their recovery.

The associations between attachment, self-esteem, fear of missing out, daily time expenditure, and problematic social media use: A path analysis model

The present study investigated the factors that may be associated with a dysfunctional use of social media use, by exploring the association between adult attachment patterns and problematic social media use and analyzing the sequential mediation of self-esteem, fear of missing out (FoMO), and time spent on social media. A sample of 470 social media users (M_age = 33.76 years; SD = 14.267; 70 % women) completed the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Fear of Missing Out Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Relationship Questionnaire. Results showed a path analysis model providing an excellent fit to the data (χ² = 2.939, p = 0.230; GFI = 0.998, TLI = 0.987, CFI = 0.998, RMSEA = 0.032, SRMR = 0.016). A significant and positive total effect in the associations between preoccupied and fearful attachment patterns and problematic social media use emerged. Both preoccupied and fearful attachment patterns were also related to self-esteem, FoMO, and time spent on social media, which were sequentially associated and were, in turn, significantly related to problematic social media use. Finally, when self-esteem, FoMO, and time spent on social media were added into the model, they totally mediated the relationships between preoccupied and fearful attachment patterns and problematic social media use, suggesting a full multiple mediation model (R² = 0.33). Such data may provide useful information for clinical practice to develop tailored interventions and prevention programs to address the compensatory and problematic use of social media.

An Integrated Approach to Addictive Behaviors: A Study on Vulnerability and Maintenance Factors

This study aimed to explore the relationships among the variables involved in a Comprehensive Model of Addiction (CMA), which posits that the presence and severity of addictive behaviors are related to the configuration of seven psychological variables, namely childhood trauma, insecure attachment, affect dysregulation, dissociation, impulsivity, compulsiveness, and obsessiveness. A vulnerability model was proposed, in which it was suggested that affect dysregulation and complex trauma mediated the association between insecure attachment and dissociation. Furthermore, a maintenance model was elaborated, in which it was hypothesized that dissociation influenced affect dysregulation via impulsivity, compulsiveness, and obsessiveness. A clinical sample of 430 individuals with substance use disorder was involved. All participants received a DSM-5 clinical diagnosis of Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders and were recruited from the Italian National Health System. A parallel mediation emerged, confirming the vulnerability model, with complex trauma and affect dysregulation mediating the relationship between insecure attachment and dissociation. Furthermore, a mixed serial–parallel mediation described the maintenance model, where impulsiveness, compulsiveness, and obsessiveness significantly mediated the relationship between dissociation and affect dysregulation. Our findings offer a better understanding of the variables associated with addictive disorders, thus providing important indications for both treatment and preventive interventions.

The Association between Alexithymia and Social Media Addiction: Exploring the Role of Dysmorphic Symptoms, Symptoms Interference, and Self-Esteem, Controlling for Age and Gender

Given the popularity of social media and the growing presence of these tools in the daily lives of individuals, research about the elements that can be linked to their problematic use appears to be of great importance. The objective of this study was to investigate the factors that may contribute to the levels of social media addiction, by focusing on the role of alexithymia, body image concern, and self-esteem, controlled for age and gender. A sample of 437 social media users (32.5% men, 67.5% women; M_age = 33.44 years, SD = 13.284) completed an online survey, including the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Body Image Concern Inventory, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Twenty-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, together with a demographic questionnaire. Results showed a significant association between alexithymia and social media addiction, with the total mediation of body image concern (and more in detail, body dissatisfaction) and the significant moderation of self-esteem. Gender and age showed significant effects in these relationships. Such findings may offer further insights into the field of clinical research on social media addiction and may provide useful information for effective clinical practice.

An addictive disorders severity model: a chained mediation analysis using structural equation modeling

BACKGROUND

The clinical relevance of the degree of severity in addiction disorders supports the need to investigate the variables underlying this aspect of the phenomenon.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the relationships between factors that may influence the severity of addiction disorder, with a particular focus on temperamental disinhibition, emotion dysregulation, interpersonal vulnerability, and their interactions.

METHODS

A clinical sample of 502 (77% males and 22% females) was involved. All participants received a DSM-5 clinical diagnosis of "Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders" and were recruited from the Italian National Health System. The collected data were analyzed by implementing a chained mediation model using structural equation modeling.

RESULTS

The statistical appropriateness of the hypothesized latent 4- factors model was confirmed. Specifically, temperamental disinhibition (composed of impulsiveness, compulsiveness, and obsessiveness), emotion dysregulation (composed of affect dysregulation, alexithymia, and dissociation), interpersonal vulnerability (composed of traumatic experiences, preoccupied, avoidant and unresolved attachment), and Addictive Disorders Severity (composed by substance use severity, alcohol use severity, gambling severity, and Internet use severity) were the four factors which have been identified. Furthermore, a total chained mediation model emerged, where emotion dysregulation and interpersonal vulnerability mediated the relationship between temperamental disinhibition and Addictive Disorders Severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings offer a better understanding of the variables associated with addictive disorder severity, providing important indications for therapeutic interventions.

The Relationship between Attachment Styles and Compulsive Online Shopping: The Mediating Roles of Family Functioning Patterns

The rapid expansion of e-commerce has made the buying experience faster, potentially anonymous, and without limits of space and time. While this may produce benefits, for some individuals, online shopping can become an addiction. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the psychological factors that may be associated with Compulsive Online Shopping, with a specific focus on the role of Attachment Styles and Family Functioning patterns as risk or protective factors. The study involved a sample of 306 participants (M_age = 31.86 years, SD = 11.925) who filled out an online survey consisting of the Compulsive Online Shopping Scale, Relationship Questionnaire, Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales-IV, as well as a demographic questionnaire. The results showed two significant parallel mediation models. In the first one, Secure Attachment was negatively and significantly related to Compulsive Online Shopping, with the mediation of Cohesion and Enmeshed Family Functioning. In the second one, Fearful Attachment was positively and significantly related to Compulsive Online Shopping, with the mediation of Cohesion and Enmeshed Family Functioning. Important implications for preventive activity and tailored interventions may emerge from these data.

Assessment of online compulsive buying: Psychometric properties of the Italian compulsive online shopping scale (COSS)

The rapid diffusion of the Internet has made doing things online in addition to in person possible. This has also lead to the emergence of new potential behavioural addictions related to the digital world, such as online shopping addiction. Given the peculiar features of cyberspace, the development of specific instruments for asseessing online shopping addiction appears to be of great importance to promote a better understanding of the phenomenon and effective clinical interventions. On this basis, this research aims to translate and validate the Compulsive Online Shopping Scale (COSS) for the Italian context. A sample of 397 Italian participants (M_age = 32.54 years, SD = 11.16) completed an online survey consisting of the Italian COSS, Edwards Compulsive Buying Scale, Internet Addiction Test, Yale‑Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale‑ Second Edition, and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11. The Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) showed the adequacy of the model fit to the data for a correlational solution with the same 7 factors of the original version: Salience¸ Mood modification¸ Conflict¸ Tolerance¸ Relapse¸ Withdrawal¸ and Problems. Furthermore, good indications of internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity emerged from the results. Therefore, the Italian COSS seems to be a valid and reliable self-report scale that can be used to assess the risk of compulsive online shopping among Italian-speaking individuals and may be useful for both research and clinical practice.

The Interplay Between Problematic Online Pornography Use, Psychological Stress, Emotion Dysregulation and Insomnia Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mediation Analysis

PURPOSE

Although a link between problematic online pornographic use (POPU) and insomnia symptoms has been established, psychological and psychopathological mechanisms underlying this relationship are still not clear. Psychological stress and emotion dysregulation have been pointed out as relevant in the development and maintenance of insomnia. This study aims to explore the associations between POPU, psychological stress, emotion dysregulation and insomnia symptoms and to understand the mediating role of psychological stress and emotion dysregulation in the relationship between POPU and insomnia symptoms.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

A sample of 776 Italian adults aged 19-48 years (51.4% female; M age = 28.49; SD = 7.33) completed questionnaires regarding demographics, COVID-19-related variables, POPU, psychological stress, emotion dysregulation, and insomnia symptoms.

RESULTS

After controlling for demographic covariates and COVID-19-related variables, multiple mediation model showed that higher psychological stress and emotion dysregulation fully mediated the link between POPU and insomnia.

CONCLUSION

The findings underscore the significance of the negative consequences of POPU and underline the importance of working on this and its effects on psychological stress and emotion dysregulation to limit insomnia.