1
|
Yıldız Ü, Kuruoğlu E, Günvar T, Çöme O, Mevsim V. The Relationship Between Obesity and Internet Addiction in University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study. Am J Health Promot 2024; 38:513-521. [PMID: 38205606 PMCID: PMC10981175 DOI: 10.1177/08901171241227036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between obesity and internet addiction in first-year university students (aged 18-25 years). DESIGN The study was designed using a cross-sectional analytic model. SETTING Data collection took place at Dokuz Eylul University, involving a diverse group of first-year students from different faculties. SUBJECTS The study population comprised 12,365 students, with 2890 individuals selected using cluster sampling. MEASURES Internet addiction was evaluated using the Online Cognition Scale (OCS). Data on obesity-related variables and demographic details were collected through a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, t test, and ANOVA were applied for statistical evaluation. RESULTS The study included 2105 participants, with 43.8% males and 56.2% females. A significant positive correlation was found between body mass index (BMI) and OCS scores (P = .000), indicating a higher prevalence of internet addiction among individuals with higher BMI. Males had higher mean OCS scores (91.19 ± 35.14) than females (80.21 ± 30.51) (P = .00). Overweight and obese individuals exhibited higher scores on OCS sub-dimensions (P < .005). Notably, individuals with a BMI over 25 were categorized as overweight, and those with a BMI over 30 were classified as obese. CONCLUSIONS The findings demonstrate a noteworthy relationship between internet addiction and obesity among university students. The study emphasizes the necessity of increased attention to this issue in Turkey for the implementation of effective interventions and preventive measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ülkü Yıldız
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Emel Kuruoğlu
- Faculty of Science, Department of Computer Science, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Tolga Günvar
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Oğulcan Çöme
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Vildan Mevsim
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pan Q, Fu W, Zhang Y. Exploring the relationship between coping styles and well-being among Chinese university students: A longitudinal study based on the transactional stress model. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2024. [PMID: 38622051 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, university students were exposed to increased stress, which significantly affected their well-being. This study examines the coping mechanisms employed by Chinese university students during this crisis, with a particular focus on the potential protective role of coping flexibility in maintaining their well-being. Using the transactional stress model and the dual-process theory of coping flexibility, this longitudinal study analyzed the responses of 206 Chinese university students at three measurement points in late 2022. The findings suggest that disruptions in daily life during the pandemic likely led students to engage in problematic internet use as a coping strategy, which subsequently led to reduced well-being. However, the study also shows that coping flexibility plays a crucial protective role in maintaining students' well-being. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions aimed at enhancing coping flexibility among university students, especially in the evolving post-pandemic landscape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Pan
- Centre for Research in Pedagogy and Practice, Office of Education Research, National Institute of Education, Singapore
| | - Wangqian Fu
- Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yaqian Zhang
- Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhou J, Rosmarin DH, Pirutinsky S. Clinical differences between outpatients with and without internet addiction and emotional disorders: a prospective naturalistic outcome study. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1357477. [PMID: 38585476 PMCID: PMC10996365 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1357477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objective as internet use becomes increasingly ingrained in contemporary society, internet addiction (IA) has emerged as a global public health concern. There is ongoing debate regarding whether IA represents a distinct psychological disorder or a secondary manifestation of other existing disorders. This study aimed to examine the pathological relationship between IA and emotional disorders (ED). Method this study compared pre-treatment characteristics and treatment process of three groups of patients (N=1292) in a naturalistic treatment setting: IA only, ED only, and comorbidity of IA and ED. Results the IA only group differed from the other groups by reporting the highest levels of life satisfaction, adaptive emotion regulation, as well as risk behavior urges at intake. In addition, the IA only group displayed the lowest level of depressive and anxiety symptoms throughout the treatment. Conclusion our findings contribute to a better understanding of the discreteness of IA as a potential psychological disorder and inform more effective treatment strategies for IA and its comorbid conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis, Affiliated Mental Health Center (ECNU), School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Anxiety, New York, NY, United States
| | - David H. Rosmarin
- Center for Anxiety, New York, NY, United States
- McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, United States
| | - Steven Pirutinsky
- Center for Anxiety, New York, NY, United States
- Graduate School of Social Work, Touro College, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tambelli R, Favieri F, Casagrande M. New Addictions in Late Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood: How Attachment Style May Predict Problematic Use of Social Networks and Binge-Watching. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:556. [PMID: 38470667 PMCID: PMC10931237 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12050556] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
As behavioral addictions (BAs) significantly affect well-being, paying attention to the characteristics associated with their onset is relevant. Current studies suggest that BAs should be addressed from an adaptive-maladaptive continuum perspective to define what and how some behaviors became problematic. The multi-faceted nature of behaviors attributed to possible BA involves psychological and individual backgrounds (e.g., attachment style). Given its role in affecting personality processes, social development, and motivational drives, the attachment style would be involved in addiction-like behaviors from adolescence, defined as a critical period for BA onset. This study analyzed the association between the attachment dimensions and two possible BAs that can be included in an adaptive-maladaptive continuum (i.e., social network use and TV series watching). A sample consisting of 493 late adolescents/emerging adults (age range: 18-24) completed questionnaires assessing social network use, TV series watching, and attachment style. The results showed a positive association between problematic attachment styles and BAs. High worry and need for relationships (anxious attachment) would be risk factors for problematic social network use and relationships as secondary (avoidant attachment) would be a risk factor for problematic TV series watching. These findings suggest the importance of further analyzing the role of attachment styles and their dimensions in influencing behavioral expression early to prevent the occurrence of BA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Favieri
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.T.); (M.C.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Helmy M, Ebrahim AH, Faqeeh A, Engel E, Ashraf F, Isaac BA. Relationship Between Alexithymia, Smartphone Addiction, and Psychological Distress Among University Students: A Multi-country Study. Oman Med J 2024; 39:e593. [PMID: 38590451 PMCID: PMC10999754 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2024.50] [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: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Increasing dependence on smartphones results in the appearance of psychological problems, especially among young people. This study aims to determine the rates of alexithymia and its relationship with smartphone addiction and psychological distress in university students. Methods A total of 2616 students (mean age = 22.5±3.5 years; 73.1% female) from universities in Egypt, Oman, and Pakistan were included in a cross-sectional and comparative study conducted through a web survey during the COVID-19 pandemic from October to December 2021. The following scales were used: Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), and Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV). The survey also included questions related to sociodemographic and smartphone usage patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mai Helmy
- Psychology Department, College of Education, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
- Psychology Department, Faculty of Arts, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
| | - Ahmed H. Ebrahim
- Rehabilitation Department, Governmental Hospitals, Manama, Bahrain
- Graduate Studies and Research Department, Ahlia University, Manama, Bahrain
- Research and Studies Department, Bahrain Corporate Social Responsibility Society, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Aysha Faqeeh
- Research and Studies Department, Bahrain Corporate Social Responsibility Society, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Ethan Engel
- Computer Science Department, Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Denver, Denver, USA
| | - Farzana Ashraf
- Department of Humanities, COMSATS University Islamabad (Lahore campus), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Buremoh Ayotunde Isaac
- Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Qin N, Li J, Wu X, Zhang C, Luo Y, Dong X, Cao H, Wang S, Liu M, Xie J, Cheng AS. Effects of rational emotive behavior therapy on alexithymia, anxiety, depression and sleep quality of older people in nursing homes: a quasi-experimental study. BMC Nurs 2023; 22:280. [PMID: 37620805 PMCID: PMC10463404 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-023-01449-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alexithymia, a subclinical cognitive-affective impairment, is prevalent in older people and increases the risk of mental disorders. There is a vast alexithymia treatment gap, with majority of older people in nursing homes lacking access to adequate mental health care. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) on alexithymia, anxiety, depression and sleep quality of older people in nursing homes. METHODS This quasi-experimental study was conducted with two groups (the control group and intervention) from March to November 2021. This study enrolled 86 participants, two of whom were lost to follow-up; 42 received usual care (control group) and 42 received REBT based on usual care (intervention group) in nursing homes. The older people in both groups were evaluated at baseline (T0), within one-week post-intervention (T1), and at 3-month follow-up (T3). Generalized estimating equations were used by SPSS version 26 to assess the differential change in the outcomes between the two groups. RESULTS The intervention group shows significantly greater improvement in alexithymia than the control group at both T1 (β = -8.167, 95%CI= -10.965, -5.368, P < 0.001) and T2 (β=-4.119, 95%CI= -7.171, -1.067, P = 0.008). The two groups showed significant differences at both T1 and T2 in both difficulty identifying feelings and difficulty describing feelings. Compared to the control group, the intervention group shows a significant improvement in sleep quality at T2 (β = -2.048, 95%CI=-4.004, -0.091, P = 0.040). The two groups showed significant differences at both T1 and T2 in both sleep disturbance and daytime dysfunction. For depression and anxiety, no significant differences were found between the intervention and control groups. CONCLUSIONS REBT showed to be an effective method for improving alexithymia and sleep quality of older people in nursing homes. However, it failed to significantly alleviate anxiety and depression at least in a short-term trial. Refining this intervention may have a broader, more substantial impact on future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Qin
- Nursing Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
- Xiang Ya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Jie Li
- Nursing Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
- Xiang Ya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Xiaoqi Wu
- Xiang Ya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Chun Zhang
- Xiang Ya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Yating Luo
- Xiang Ya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Xiaoqian Dong
- Xiang Ya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Huan Cao
- Xiang Ya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Sha Wang
- Nursing Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Min Liu
- Nursing Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Jianfei Xie
- Nursing Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China.
| | - Andy Sk Cheng
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kovačić Petrović Z, Peraica T, Blažev M, Kozarić-Kovačić D. Association between problematic Internet use and specific Internet activities and COVID-19- and earthquake-related stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms among Croatian young adults. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1227182. [PMID: 37645636 PMCID: PMC10461808 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1227182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background During the COVID-19 pandemic and concomitant earthquakes in Croatia in 2020, increased Internet use (IU) and Internet-based addictive behaviors were associated with decreasing mental well-being. We determined the changes in IU, problematic IU (PIU), and problematic specific Internet activities in young adults during the prolonged stress caused by the pandemic and earthquakes, age differences in PIU and differences in perceived source of stress (pandemic or earthquakes), and association between PIU and increase in specific Internet activities and stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms in young adults. Methods A cross-sectional online survey conducted from September 30, 2021 to October 17, 2021 included 353 young adults aged 22.6 ± 2.1 years, 382 early adults aged 32.1 ± 4.4 years, and 371 middle-aged adults aged 49.0 ± 6.5 years. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, stressors (without perceived stressors, only pandemic-related stressor, only earthquake-related stressor, and both pandemic and earthquake-related stressors), PIU and IU were collected with a self-report questionnaire. The Impact of Event Scale and the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale were used to evaluate mental symptoms. PIU and problematic specific Internet activities were assessed using Tao et al.'s criteria. Data were anaylzed with paired-sample Wilcoxon test, McNemar's and Pearson's chi-square tests, and structural equation modeling. Results In 17% of young adults, we found increased PIU (OR = 5.15, 95% CI [2.82, 10.18]), problematic social media use (OR = 2.77, 95% CI [1.56, 5.14]), and uncontrolled online shopping (OR = 5.75, 95% CI [1.97, 22.87]) (p < 0.001 for all). PIU and problematic social media use were more common among young adults (60.8%), as well as problematic online gaming (25.9%). Problematic social media use was more frequent among young adults reporting pandemic stress than among those without perceived stress (69.9% vs. 43.2%). Increased online gaming predicted more severe avoidance symptoms (p = 0.041), increased social media use predicted more severe depression symptoms (p = 0.017), increased online shopping predicted more severe intrusion (p = 0.013) and anxiety symptoms (p = 0.001). PIU predicted more severe intrusion (p = 0.008), avoidance (p = 0.01), anxiety (p < 0.001), and depression (p = 0.012) symptoms. Conclusion Different effects of the pandemic and earthquakes on IU could reflect a different effect of various stressors on Internet behavior of young adults. Type of problematic Internet behavior may predict for the type of mental health problem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zrnka Kovačić Petrović
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Addiction, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tina Peraica
- Department of Psychiatry, Referral Center for Stress-related Disorders of the Ministry of Health, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Forensic Sciences, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Mirta Blažev
- Ivo Pilar Institute of Social Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shek DTL, Chai W, Zhou K. Risk Factors and Protective Factors of Internet Addiction in University Students during the Pandemic: Implications for Prevention and Treatment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5952. [PMID: 37297556 PMCID: PMC10253014 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20115952] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
While the prevalence rates of Internet addiction (IA) amongst young people during the pandemic are disturbing, few studies have investigated the risk and protective factors of IA in Hong Kong university students under COVID-19. In this study, we examined the relationship between COVID-19-related stress and IA and the role of psychological morbidity and positive psychological attributes in the relationship. In summer 2022, 978 university students completed a survey assessing pandemic-related stress, psychological morbidity, and positive psychological attributes. While psychological morbidity was indexed by depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal behavior, positive psychological attributes included life satisfaction, flourishing, adversity beliefs, emotional competence, resilience, and family functioning measures. Results showed that stress and psychological morbidity positively predicted IA, and psychological morbidity mediated the association between stress and IA. Positive psychological attributes negatively predicted stress and IA, and mediated the connection between stress and IA. Positive psychological attributes moderated the mediating effect of psychological morbidity on the relationship between stress and IA. In addition to theoretical contributions, this study contributes to IA prevention and treatment: reducing psychological morbidity and promoting positive psychological attributes are promising strategies to address IA issues in young people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T. L. Shek
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Çimşir E, Akdoğan R. Inferiority feelings and internet addiction among Turkish University students in the context of COVID-19: The mediating role of emotion dysregulation. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37359640 PMCID: PMC10112311 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04661-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Emotion dysregulation is a major predictor of increased internet addiction. However, the psychological experiences linked to increased internet addiction through higher emotion dysregulation are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate if inferiority feelings, an Adlerian construct theorized to be rooted in childhood, are associated with increased Internet addiction through emotion dysregulation. Another objective of the study was to determine if the internet use characteristics of young adults changed during the pandemic. A conceptual model was validated statistically using the PROCESS macro with a survey method involving 443 university students living in different regions of Turkey. The results support the significance of all three effects of inferiority feelings on internet addiction, namely the total (B = 0.30, CI = [0.24, 0.35]), the direct (B = 0.22, BootCI = [0.15, 0.29]), and the indirect (B = 0.08, BootCI = [0.04, 0.12]). In other words, inferiority feelings are associated with a greater level of internet addiction both directly and indirectly through greater emotion dysregulation. Moreover, the overall prevalence of Internet addiction was 45.8% among the participants and that of severe Internet addiction was 22.1%. Almost 90% of the participants reported an increase in their recreational Internet use during the pandemic, with an average daily increase of 2.58 h (SD = 1.49), the significance of which was supported by the t-test results. The results provide important insights for parents, practitioners, and researchers on addressing the internet addiction problem among young adults living in Turkey or other countries that are similar to Turkey.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elif Çimşir
- Department of Guidance & Counseling, Faculty of Education, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Ramazan Akdoğan
- Department of Guidance & Counseling, Faculty of Education, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskisehir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
The Impact of Mental Health Predictors of Internet Addiction among Pre-Service Teachers in Ghana. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 13:bs13010020. [PMID: 36661592 PMCID: PMC9854694 DOI: 10.3390/bs13010020] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the prevalence of addictive Internet behavior and its links with mental health among pre-service teachers in Ghana. A descriptive, correlational design was employed with 405 pre-service teachers from colleges of education and a public university in Ghana participating in this study. The sample completed a sociodemographic survey about loneliness, life satisfaction, depression, self-esteem, and the Internet addiction scales (abridged form). The results revealed that there was a significant relationship between pre-service teachers' Internet addiction, depression, life satisfaction, and loneliness; however, depression was the least influential factor in addictive Internet use. Additionally, there was a statistically significant nexus between self-esteem, loneliness, depression, and life satisfaction. In addition, all the above-mentioned variables were discovered to explain 56.3% of the absolute variance in addiction to the Internet. Among the variables linked with Internet addiction and its dimensions, loneliness appeared to be the most significant. Institutional coping programs with Internet addiction should be established within the scope of the university administration, supporting pre-service teachers' mental health. Finally, the development of awareness campaigns on the menaces associated with Internet usage and mental health through extracurricular programs is recommended.
Collapse
|