The Relationship Between Self-Control and Internet Addiction Among Students: A Meta-Analysis

The association between problematic smartphone use and subjective well-being in Bangladeshi youths: Mediating role of sleep quality

Despite the remarkable contribution of smartphones in improving our lives, concerns have been raised about their uncontrolled usage, emphasizing its consequences on individual sleep and well-being. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between problematic smartphone use (PSU) and both positive and negative dimensions of subjective well-being (SWB) - subjective happiness and depressive symptoms, as well as the mediating role of sleep quality. A sample of 384 Bangladeshi youths (mean age = 18.99; 49.3 % female) were recruited through a convenience sampling technique and interviewed using a structured questionnaire that assessed PSU, sleep quality, subjective happiness, and depressive symptoms. The mediation analysis results indicated that sleep quality mediated the association between PSU and subjective happiness and depressive symptoms. The results also showed that subjective sleep quality, sleep disturbances, and daytime dysfunction were particularly responsible for the mediation effect. Thus, the findings highlight the necessity of designing sleep quality-enhancing interventions for youth to subside PSU's detrimental effects on subjective well-being.

Problematic Gaming and Self-Control Among Adolescents and Emerging Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Problematic gaming is becoming increasingly prevalent among young people, often leading to negative developmental consequences. As an essential protective factor against problematic gaming, self-control is the capacity to manage emotions, thoughts, and actions when confronted with temptations and impulses. Previous studies have reported mixed findings regarding the association between problematic gaming and self-control. The current systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized the existing literature on this relationship among adolescents and emerging adults. A systematic search from eight electronic databases (PsycArticles, PsycINFO, EBSCOhost, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses A&I, and China Academic Journal Network Publishing Database) and two additional sources (Google Scholar and reference lists) identified 957 published studies. Of these, 46 articles involving 64,681 participants were included in the review, and 40 provided sample size and Pearson's r for the meta-analysis. The narrative review findings indicated that problematic gaming was negatively correlated with self-control with only two studies suggesting an insignificant relationship. The meta-analytic findings, conducted using a random-effects model in Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software Version 4.0, revealed a medium effect (r = -0.287, 95% CI = [-0.33, -0.25], p < 0.001), with high heterogeneity (I2 = 96.5%). Publication bias analysis showed a symmetric funnel plot and a nonsignificant Egger's test (p = 0.861), indicating no evidence of publication bias. No significant subgroup difference was found between adolescents and emerging adults. The results reveal that self-control is a critical factor in preventing and intervening problematic gaming. Trial registration: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO); CRD42023451656; registered on 25 September, 2023.

The Self-Control Bridge: Connecting Social Media Use to Academic Procrastination

Problematic social media use can be characterized as compulsive or excessive engagement with social media applications that have addictive qualities. Research has highlighted a strong link between self-control and academic procrastination. Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to explore the connection between problematic social media use and academic procrastination, with self-control acting as a mediator. This study is cross-sectional and aims to describe and analyze simple and multiple-variable relationships within the framework of structural equation modeling. The participants of this study comprised 665 students (female 50.8% M-age 21.72). The survey was conducted online, and the respondents consented to participate in the study. Hierarchical regression revealed that problematic social media use (β = .238, p < .001) and self-control (β = -.691, p < .001) were independent factors of academic procrastination; the SEM results demonstrated that self-control fully mediated the relationship between problematic social media use and academic procrastination; the bootstrap method revealed that the bounds of the CI did not contain 0, confirming the significance of this mediating effect. Problematic social media use can positively predict academic procrastination, and this relationship is fully mediated by self-control.

Relationship between academic procrastination and internet addiction in Peruvian university students: the mediating role of academic self-efficacy

Introduction

This study evaluated the mediating role of academic self-efficacy in the relationship between internet addiction and academic procrastination among Peruvian university students.

Method

A cross-sectional explanatory design was employed with a convenience sample of 334 participants. Instruments used included the Specific Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale of Academic Situations (EAPESA), the Lima Internet Addiction Scale (EAIL), and the Academic Procrastination Scale (APS). The reliability and internal structure of each scale were verified, and the EAIL was validated. Descriptive analysis and correlation between variables were conducted, followed by path and mediation analyses.

Results

Internet addiction significantly negatively affected academic self-efficacy (β = -0.381, t = -4.52, p < 0.001). Academic self-efficacy negatively impacted academic procrastination (β = -0.522, t = -7.04, p < 0.001). Internet addiction positively affected academic procrastination (β = 0.642, t = 5.72, p < 0.001). The total effect of internet addiction on academic procrastination and academic self-efficacy was significant (β = 0.841, t = 7.17, p < 0.001). Academic self-efficacy partially mediates the relationship between internet addiction and academic procrastination, suggesting universities should implement strategies to enhance academic self-efficacy in students.

How stress influences short video addiction in China: an extended compensatory internet use model

Introduction

The rise of short video applications has become a defining feature of modern digital media consumption, drawing increasing attention from researchers due to issues related to short video addiction. While earlier studies have examined the perceived stress as a cause of short video addiction, there is limited understanding of the potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between these two variables. Building on compensatory Internet use (CIU) theory, this study introduces an extended model (E-CIU) to explore how stress, compensatory motivations (i.e., social interaction and relaxing entertainment), and affective responses (i.e., immersion and attitude) relate to short video addiction. This study also examines differences between the age groups.

Methods

Data from 319 Chinese short video users were tested applying partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and PLS-SEM multigroup analysis.

Results

Findings indicate that stress, immersion, and attitude each contribute positively to short video addiction. Stress is linked to both social interaction and relaxing entertainment. While both factors positively affect attitude toward short videos, only relaxing entertainment enhances immersion. Results confirmed the perceived stress indirectly influences short video addiction through a serial mediating pathway comprising motivations and affective responses. Moreover, the study shows that perceived stress influences social interaction, relaxing entertainment influences attitude and immersion, and social interaction influences immersion across all age groups. The study further identified variations in how different groups experience the relationship between stress and addiction, stress and relaxation, attitude and addiction, and immersion and addiction.

Discussion

Consequently, this study enriches the understanding of the E-CIU as a new theoretical model of short video addiction. These insights offer practical recommendations for short video applications to address user engagement and addiction more effectively.

Polymorphic variants of the dopamine receptor gene DRD2 (rs6277, rs1800497) in adolescents with problematic video game use

Problematic video games use, as a specific form of problematic Internet use, is widespread among adolescents and can have negative effects on their mental and somatic well-being. An increasing incidence of addictive video gaming, as well as the overuse of the Internet, among the young population makes the current study of susceptibility factors, including the genetic component, relevant. There has been a number of investigations related to the involvement of gene variants of the neurotransmitter system in the development of Internet addiction, with the results being different for various ethnic groups. The dopamine type 2 receptor gene (DRD2) is one of the candidate genes for susceptibility to video game addiction. The aim of the work was to study polymorphic variants of the dopamine receptor gene DRD2 (rs6277, rs1800497) in Russian adolescents with problematic use of computer video games. A sampling of 407 adolescents aged 14.1 ± 1.8 years was tested, of which 56 (13.8 %) were identified as having problems with the pathological use of video games use based on the GASA scale results. Boys in the sample proved to be addicted to video games more than girls (p = 0.041). As a result of comparing the allele frequency of DRD2 (rs6277), a tendency to a higher frequency of the minor allele T was revealed in the group of adolescents with problematic video game use compared with adolescents without problematic video game use (i. e. 0.563 and 0.466, respectively, p = 0.06). When using the dominant inheritance model, it was revealed that adolescents with problematic use of video games were statistically significantly more likely to carry the T (CT+TT) allele (p = 0.04, OR = 2.14, CI = 1.01-4.53). The T allele DRD2 (rs6277) is associated with low expression of the dopamine receptor D2 and leads to decreasing the density and affinity of extrastriatal dopamine type 2 receptors, which is associated with impaired social communication as well. We suggest that the presence of CT and TT genotypes of rs6277 DRD2 may be a potential risk factor for developing problematic video game use in adolescents.

The relationship between self-control and internet gaming disorder and problematic social networking site use: the mediation effects of internet use motives

Introduction

This study aimed to explore the relationships between problematic social networking site use (PSNSU), Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), internet use motives, and self-control among university students in China and Japan. Specifically, it investigated the indirect effects of self-control on IGD and PSNSU through various internet use motives, considering gender differences.

Methods

A sample of 697 university students (465 females; 397 Chinese) was surveyed. Path analysis was conducted separately for male and female users to examine the relationships between self-control, internet use motives, IGD, and PSNSU.

Results

The results indicated that self-control had significant indirect effects on IGD through enhancement (β = 0.096**, p = 0.005), social (β = -0.090**, p = 0.007), and conformity (β = -0.117**, p = 0.001) motives, but these effects were observed only in the male group. Self-control also exhibited indirect effects on PSNSU through enhancement, social, coping, and conformity motives, with a greater impact observed on PSNSU than on IGD. Gender differences in mediating effects were identified, with males and females showing distinct patterns.

Discussion

The findings highlight the importance of understanding gender differences and motivational factors in problematic internet use. These insights contribute to a better understanding of how internet use motives influence IGD and PSNSU in different contexts.

Understanding the relationships among adolescents' internet dependence, reward, cognitive control processing, and learning burnout: a network perspective in China

Alterations in the reward and cognitive control systems are commonly observed among adolescents with internet dependence (ID), and this impairment is often accompanied by social dysfunctions, such as academic burnout. However, the intercorrelations among ID, reward, cognitive control processing, and learning burnout remain unclear. We recruited 1074 Chinese adolescents to investigate the complex interrelationships among these variables using network analysis. The resulting network revealed patterns that connected ID to the behavioral inhibition/activation system (BIS/BAS), self-control, and learning burnout; these results exhibited reasonable stability and test-retest consistency. Throughout the network, the node of BAS-drive was the critical influencing factor, and the node of self-control was the protection factor. In addition, several symptoms of learning burnout and ID were positively associated with sensitivity to punishment. As revealed by the network comparison test, the network constructed among internet dependent (ID) group differed from the network constructed among internet nondependent (IND) group not only in the edges between BIS and learning burnout but also in terms of the edges associated with learning burnout. In conclusion, this study provides insights into the complex mechanisms underlying ID among adolescents from the perspective of the network relationships between core influencing factors and negative consequences. It validates the dual-system model of risky behavior among adolescents and offers a foundation for early warning and interventions for ID in this context.

Addressing the links between and internal vs. external regulation factors, achievement emotions and gender in problematic use of ICT at university

Context

The study of internal and external regulation in the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and the analysis of academic emotions have become increasingly important due to their impact on academic life at university.

Objectives

This research aims to investigate the links between internal vs. external regulation factors, achievement emotions, and gender in the problematic use of ICT among university students.

Methodology

The study recruited 317 university students, predominantly female (72.51%), using an ex-post facto design. The SRT-ERT scale was used to assess technology-related behaviors, and the AEQ Scales measured academic emotions before, during, and after class. Correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, and ANOVA were employed to identify significant relationships.

Results

Significant relationships were identified between regulatory behaviors, with male students exhibiting more dysregulated behavior and greater exposure to dysregulatory technology environments. Individual and contextual behavioral nonregulation and dysregulation in the use of ICT were significantly predictive of negative academic emotions.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that both personal and contextual factors of regulation significantly influence the emotional experiences of students in academic settings. The study highlights the need for psycho-educational interventions to promote better regulatory behaviors among university students, particularly males.

Coping Tendency as a Mediator in the Relationship Between Psychological Resilience and Health Problems Among College Students

Purpose

The study aimed to explore the status of four common health problems (ie, smoking, internet addiction, physical inactivity, psychological disorder) among college students and analyze the relationship between psychological resilience, coping tendency and health problems.

Participants and Methods

The convenience sampling method was used to recruit 500 college students from four universities. The General Information Questionnaire, Adolescent Psychological Resilience Scale, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire and Health Risk Behavior Questionnaire were used for survey.

Results

Among the students, there were 71 smokers (15.4%) and 61 internet addicts (13.2%). Over a third of the students reported physical inactivity (35.9%) and a minority had psychological disorder (6.3%). The psychological resilience score differed between students who smoked, had internet addiction, physical inactivity, psychological disorder and those without these health-risk behaviors. Logistic regression analysis showed that negative coping tendency was the common contributing factor of physical inactivity, internet addiction and psychological disorder. Coping tendency played a partial mediating effect in the relationship between psychological resilience and health problems, with a mediating effect of 37.93%.

Conclusion

Psychological resilience can not only affect health problems directly but also influence health problems indirectly through coping tendency. Educators and administrators in universities can apply effective measures to improve psychological resilience and positive coping to prevent or reduce health problems among undergraduates.

The effect of childhood harshness and unpredictability on Internet addiction among college students: The mediating effect of self-control

College students are inevitably online and at risk of becoming addicted. Life history theory provides an explanatory framework for individual differences in Internet addiction, and childhood harshness and unpredictability may be important antecedents. However, it is unclear whether and how childhood harshness and/or unpredictability affect Internet addiction during college. In this study, we recruited 483 Chinese college students and assessed their childhood harshness, unpredictability, self-control, and Internet addiction. The results of path analysis showed that childhood unpredictability was positively associated with Internet addiction among college students and was partially mediated by self-control. The effect of harshness on Internet addiction showed a suppression effect, i.e., the direct effect of harshness on Internet addiction was negative and the indirect effect through self-control was positive. This suggests that the high risk of Internet addiction stems from harshness and unpredictability in childhood, but that the effects of these factors are independent and distinct. Self-control plays an important role in this process, but many internal mechanisms remain to be tested in future research.

White matter integrity of right frontostriatal circuit predicts internet addiction severity among internet gamers

Excessive use of the internet, which is a typical scenario of self-control failure, could lead to potential consequences such as anxiety, depression, and diminished academic performance. However, the underlying neuropsychological mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the structural basis of self-control and internet addiction. In a cohort of 96 internet gamers, we examined the relationships among grey matter volume and white matter integrity within the frontostriatal circuits and internet addiction severity, as well as self-control measures. The results showed a significant and negative correlation between dACC grey matter volume and internet addiction severity (p < 0.001), but not with self-control. Subsequent tractography from the dACC to the bilateral ventral striatum (VS) was conducted. The fractional anisotropy (FA) and radial diffusivity of dACC-right VS pathway was negatively (p = 0.011) and positively (p = 0.020) correlated with internet addiction severity, respectively, and the FA was also positively correlated with self-control (p = 0.036). These associations were not observed for the dACC-left VS pathway. Further mediation analysis demonstrated a significant complete mediation effect of self-control on the relationship between FA of the dACC-right VS pathway and internet addiction severity. Our findings suggest that the dACC-right VS pathway is a critical neural substrate for both internet addiction and self-control. Deficits in this pathway may lead to impaired self-regulation over internet usage, exacerbating the severity of internet addiction.

Exploring the determinants of internet addiction among Peri-urban adolescents (aged 13-18) in Delhi-NCR, India: an ordered logit model analysis

OBJECTIVES

In recent years, there has been phenomenal growth in internet usage worldwide, with a substantial proportion of children and adolescents actively engaging with online platforms. While the internet presents numerous opportunities for children and adolescents, the lack of digital literacy and adequate online safety measures exposes them to various cybercrimes, including cyberbullying, cyberstalking, identity theft, and sexual predation. Moreover, there is growing concern regarding internet addiction among this population.

METHODS

To investigate the determinants of internet addiction among adolescents, we conducted a cross-sectional study in peri-urban Delhi-NCR, India. We used a self-administered questionnaire to gather information on internet usage, and 630 adolescents aged 13-18 participated in the study, also completing an Internet Addiction Test.

RESULTS

The findings indicate that 415 adolescents (65.9 %) exhibited no signs of internet addiction, suggesting a healthy relationship with the internet. However, 215 adolescents (33.1 %) displayed symptoms of internet addiction. Among those exhibiting internet addictions, 159 (74.0 %) were classified as mild internet addicts, indicating moderate levels of internet usage. Furthermore, 56 (26.0 %) adolescents were classified as moderate internet addicts, reflecting a higher level of internet addiction.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlights the significant influence of various factors, including family dynamics, environmental factors, and personal experiences, on internet addiction among adolescents. Based on these findings, we propose implementing measures at different levels to foster responsible internet use among adolescents, thereby substantially reducing internet addiction.

Problematic Use of the Internet and Well-Being among Youth from a Global Perspective: A Mediated-Moderated Model of Socio-Emotional Factors

Problematic Use of the Internet (PUI) is characterized as the inability to control one's internet use or as an excessive use of the internet that may result in social, psychological, and emotional difficulties (Fernandes et al., 2019). It is regarded nowadays as an increasingly worrisome public heath issue, especially among youth. This study explored the contexts in which youth PUI occurs and its associations with socio-emotional functioning that may lead to a decrease in one's sense of well-being. We conducted this exploration among 783 middle school students from the US (425 students; 54.27%) and Israel (358 students; 45.73%). The overall age of both samples ranged between 12 and 16 (M = 13.94, SD = 1.59). In the Israeli sample, 49.1% of the students were girls and 50.9% were boys, whereas in the US sample, 48.8% were girls and 51.2% were boys. The study examined the role of depressive mood, loneliness, resilience, self-control, and school engagement in mediating the relationship between PUI and well-being, and how country of origin might moderate these relationships. Results indicate PUI was related to lower well-being only for the US sample. Yet, for both samples, higher loneliness was related to lower well-being, and higher school engagement was related to higher well-being. A moderated mediation analysis revealed the socio-emotional variables were all mediators in these associations, but differently for each country sample. The study results are discussed according to key factors required for developing intervention programs for coping with youth PUI behaviors.

Longitudinal relationship between internet self-control and problematic internet use among Chinese adolescents: mediating role of meaning in life

Introduction

While studies indicate that high self-control may serve as a safeguard against problematic internet use, there's evidence suggesting that problematic internet use can, in turn, diminish self-control. This study aimed to elucidate the longitudinal interplay between internet self-control and problematic internet use in adolescents, employing cross-lagged panel modeling. Furthermore, drawing from a positive psychology perspective, we examined the potential role of 'meaning in life' as a protective mediator within this longitudinal relationship. We then constructed a mediation model to explore protective factors against problematic internet use.

Methods

Through a questionnaire, we tracked 659 adolescents (331 males and 328 females; mean age=13.61) in a longitudinal design across two time points, spaced at five-month intervals, to assess their internet self-control, problematic internet use, and meaning in life.

Results

Results of the cross-lagged panel models showed that: Internet self-control had a significant negative impact on problematic internet use after five months (β = -0.094, p < 0.01). Conversely, problematic internet use had a significant negative impact on internet self-control after five months (β = -0.099, p < 0.05). Results from the longitudinal mediation model showed that: Meaning in life mediated the effect of internet self-control on problematic internet use after five months (βinternet self-control(T1)-meaning in life(T2) = 0.142, p < 0.01; βmeaning in life(T1)-problematic internet use (T2) = -0.075, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study uncovers a reciprocal predictive relationship between internet self-control and problematic internet use, while highlighting the mediating role of meaning in life within this relationship. These findings suggest that fostering internet self-control and cultivating a sense of meaning in life among adolescents can serve as effective prevention and intervention strategies for addressing the issue of problematic internet use.

Self-control mediates the relationship between time perspective and mobile phone addiction in Chinese college students

Background

Mobile phone addiction (MPA) is a prevalent problem among college students, and Chinese college students are a high-risk group for smartphone addiction. MPA has a negative impact on the physical and mental health and academic performance of college students. Studies have explored the influence of many factors on MPA, such as the characteristics of the smartphone itself, the characteristics of the smartphone user, and the environment. However, to date, no studies have explored the protective and risk factors for MPA from the perspective of personality traits. From this perspective, this study explored the influence of time perspective and trait self-control on MPA to identify effective measures to prevent and intervene in MPA in college students.

Methods

The participants in this cross-sectional study were 526 Chinese college students. They completed the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, the Self-Control Scale and the Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale using an online questionnaire tool. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the relationships among time perspective, self-control and MPA. A latent variable mediation analysis of the structural equation model was used to examine the mediating role of self-control in the relationship between time perspective and MPA.

Results

Various dimensions of time perspective were strongly associated with MPA. Among these dimensions, past negative (r = 0.397, p < 0.001), present hedonistic (r = 0.207, p < 0.001), and present fatalistic perspectives (r = 0.444, p < 0.001) were positively associated with MPA, while a future time perspective (r = -0.200, p < 0.001) was negatively associated with MPA. Mediation effects analysis showed that past negative (β = 0.034, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.020-0.051]), present hedonistic (β = 0.038, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.02-0.06]), present fatalistic (β = 0.047, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.031-0.065]) and future orientation perspectives (β = -0.093, p < 0.001, 95% CI [-0.123-0.069]) indirectly influenced MPA through the mediating effect of self-control.

Conclusion

This study confirmed that a future time perspective and self-control are protective factors for MPA and that past negative, present hedonistic and present fatalistic perspectives are risk factors for MPA. College educators can prevent MPA in college students directly by cultivating their self-control ability, as well as indirectly by increasing their use of future time perspective and reducing past negative, present fatalistic and present hedonistic perspectives.

The association between problematic internet use and social anxiety within adolescents and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

Although numerous studies have investigated the association between problematic internet use (PIU) and social anxiety, the findings have no yet reached consistent. The present meta-analysis aims to examine the association between PIU and social anxiety within adolescents and young adults (age range: 14-24 years old).

Method

The meta-analysis systematically retrieved the studies prior to September 7, 2023 from Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, CNKI, and CQVIP. The meta-analysis based on random-effects model to conduct the research. Stata Version 17.0 and JASP 16.3.0 was used to analysis.

Results

The meta-analysis ultimately included 37 studies (37 effect sizes in total), involving a total of 36,013 subjects. Our findings indicated that the overall correlation between PIU and social anxiety was significant positive [r = 0.333, 95% CI (0.292, 0.373), p < 0.001]. Their association was significantly moderated by publication year, measurement tools for PIU and social anxiety but not significantly by culture context, developmental level and gender.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggests that social anxiety is a predictor of the development of PIU in adolescents and young adults. Furthermore, the study also finds the possibility that contemporary adolescents and youth may exhibit a more "global" behavior pattern, potentially emphasizing fewer differences between cultures, generations and genders.

Why it is good to communicate the bad: understanding the influence of message framing in persuasive communication on consumer decision-making processes

Introduction

One approach to bridging the gap between consumer intentions and behavior is persuasive communication to reinforce their intentions and thereby support their behavior change. Message framing has proven to be a useful, persuasive communication tool. However, message framing is considered more complicated than other types of framing because, in addition to concept-specific elements, it is also strongly influenced by and, in turn, influences emotions. Therefore, it is almost impossible for consumers to verbally express their attitudes, so the challenge is to explain and measure its impact. This research aims to help in this regard by suggesting a theoretical model to understand how message framing is processed from a consumer neuroscience perspective. More precisely, the factors that constitute message framing are systematized and built on a reflective-impulsive model and a neural emotion-cognition framework interpreted to explain the persuasive effects of message framing.

Method

A functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment is used to examine the effects of message framing for four different frame types that are hypothesized to affect consumer information processing differently.

Result

The results suggest that communication strategies should take into account the valence of the objects and the frame used. The behavioral results partially confirm the assumption that two types of information processing could take place, as suggested by the reflective-impulsive model. At the neural level, using the network perspective, the results show that certain brain regions primarily associated with emotional and cognitive interaction processes are active during processing, depending on the framing of the message.

Discussion

In cases of indirect avoidance value-consistent framing, it may be good to communicate the bad in the appropriate frame to influence information processing.

Childhood trauma and problematic internet use: A meta-analysis based on students in mainland China

Background

In recent years, the relationship between childhood trauma and problematic Internet use has been widely studied by scholars, but the research conclusions on the relationship between them are not consistent. Some studies report that childhood trauma and problematic Internet use are significantly correlated. However, others believe that there is a weak correlation between them. So the relationship between them needs to be studied further. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between childhood trauma and problematic Internet use, and the effects of some moderating variables on both for students in Mainland China.

Methods

This study followed the requirements of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement for literature screening. We searched the related studies on childhood trauma and problematic Internet use in Mainland China from January 2009 to November 2022 from CNKI, Wanfang Data, Chongqing VIP Information Co., Ltd. (VIP), Baidu scholar, ProQuest dissertations, SAGE Online Journals, Elsevier SDOL, Taylor &amp; Francis, Springer, Web of Science, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Medline, Scopus Database, PubMed Central, Embase, The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, CMA 3.0 was used to analyse the overall effect and test the moderating effect.

Results

Among the papers included in the meta-analysis in this study, 31 papers reflected the relationship between childhood trauma and problematic Internet use, involving 52,503 subjects, and the sample size ranged from 388 to 16,130. This relationship between childhood trauma and problematic Internet use can be considered as a moderate correlation (r = 0.281, 95%CI[0.221, 0.338], p &lt; 0.001). The results showed that the relationship between childhood trauma and problematic Internet use was affected by different problematic Internet use measures. Meanwhile, meta-regression demonstrated that the relationship between childhood trauma and problematic Internet use was moderated by survey’s year. Specifically, the correlation coefficient between childhood trauma and problematic Internet use also increases with increasing year. However, the relationship between childhood trauma and problematic Internet use was not affected by the region, grade, childhood trauma measures, publication source.

Conclusion

Childhood trauma is closely related to problematic Internet use. In order to reduce problematic Internet use, corresponding prevention and intervention measures should be taken.

Problematic internet use in adolescents: A phenomenological study

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Problematic internet use (PIU) negatively affects adolescents' lives biopsychosocially. There is limited qualitative research examining the problem of PIU in adolescents. These studies focused more on the non-clinical population. Adolescents' perceptions of the internet, their thoughts, feelings and behaviours in situations where they can and cannot access the internet have rarely been examined. WHAT DOES THE PAPER ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This research provides an in-depth look at the experiences of adolescents with PIU in a clinical population. Unlike previous studies, adolescents mentioned that they turned to the internet for reasons such as lack of activity, their need to spend time with their friends and better getting along with people they met on the internet. They also described a world without internet as apocalypse, desert and grave. In this study, a holistic emphasis was placed on the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of adolescents in situations where they could and could not access the internet. This may contribute especially to mental health nurses working in clinics in terms of understanding the thought-emotion and behaviour patterns of adolescents with PIU. Adolescents also stated that their lives were affected positively and negatively as a result of PIU. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Mental health nurses can use activity therapy, behaviour modification: social skills, coping enhancement, parent education: adolescent, self-awareness enhancement, cognitive restructuring, emotion and behaviour management interventions to reduce the risk of PIU and the problems it causes for adolescents. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Mental health nurses can use activity therapy, behaviour modification: social skills, coping enhancement, parent education: adolescent, self-awareness enhancement, cognitive restructuring, emotion and behaviour management interventions to reduce the risk of PIU and the problems it causes for adolescents.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Studies on problematic internet use (PIU) are mostly on the non-clinical population. Understanding the experiences of adolescents with PIU is critical in shaping nursing interventions and improving the quality of care.

AIMS

A comprehensive description of the experiences of adolescents with PIU.

METHODS

In the study, descriptive phenomenology design, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. Data were collected using a personal information form and a semi-structured interview form and analysed using Giorgi's phenomenological method (n = 11).

RESULTS

As a result of the content analysis, five main themes were identified: reasons of PIU, internet-related perceptions, experiences in accessing the internet, experiences in not being able to access the internet and consequences of internet use.

DISCUSSION

Different from previous studies, adolescents stated that they use the internet because of their lack of activity and their need to spend time with their friends. They stated that when they could not access the internet, they thought they could never live without the internet and started quarrel.

Internet Addiction and Its Associated Factors among Undergraduate Students in Kathmandu, Nepal

Background

Internet has penetrated all processes of life and has become an unavoidable part of people's daily life. This widespread use of the Internet has resulted in significant concerns with regard to problematic Internet behaviours and related conditions. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of Internet addiction and its associated factors among undergraduate students in Kathmandu.

Materials and Methods

We included all together 344 undergraduate students from different colleges affiliated to Pokhara University for this cross-sectional study. We used self-administered questionnaire consisting of the Internet Addiction Test scale to assess the Internet addiction. We coded the data, entered it in Epi-Data 3.1 and transferred to IBM SPSS 25 for analysis. We applied bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with Internet addiction, and p value <0.05 was considered as statistically significantt.

Results

The prevalence of Internet addiction was found to be 29.90% (95% CI: 25.0-34.9). In the chi-squared test relationship with parents, parental control over the Internet use, perceived feeling of loneliness, and time spent on internet per day were found to be statistically associated (p < 0.05) with Internet addiction.

Conclusion

This study revealed nearly one-third of the Internet addiction among undergraduate students. Relationship with parents, parental control over the internet use, perceived loneliness feelings, and time spent on internet per day were significantly associated with Internet addiction along other factors. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness among young generation, parents, and teachers towards risk of Internet addiction.

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.

Mental Health of Parents and Their Children: A Longitudinal Study of the Effects of Parents' Negative Affect on Adolescents' Pathological Gaming

Parents' negative affect could lead to the deterioration of the mental state of their adolescent children. According to previous studies, children of parents who have symptoms of depression or anxiety are more likely to have mental problems. As one of the most important issues concerning adolescents with the rapid rise of screen time, the concern for pathological gaming among adolescents continues to intensify. Many studies have demonstrated the remarkable relationships between adolescents' pathological gaming and mental factors, but seldom examined them via longitudinal analysis. With three-year data from adolescents (N = 778) and their parents (N = 685) in South Korea, this study assessed the effects of parents' negative affect (depression and anxiety) on pathological gaming using adolescents' mental factors (i.e., aggression, ADHD, self-control). The results showed the critical role of parents' negative affect on their children's mental health, which finally leads to pathological gaming among adolescents. Depressive parents increased the degree of adolescents' aggression and ADHD, and decreased the degree of adolescents' self-control. Anxious parents increased the degree of adolescents' ADHD. Moreover, both adolescents' aggression and self-control mediated the relationship between parents' depression and adolescents' pathological gaming. Specifically, self-control was one of the most influential factors contributing to pathological gaming among adolescents.

Rich Get Richer: Extraversion Statistically Predicts Reduced Internet Addiction through Less Online Anonymity Preference and Extraversion Compensation

Internet addiction may arise from multiple factors and personality tendencies have been previously implicated. Prior studies have found that extraversion may be a protective factor mitigating against internet addiction, yielding a "rich-get-richer" effect. However, few studies have explored how extraversion may influence internet addiction from the perspective of online-offline integration. Drawing on a sample of 428 college students, the current study examined a serial mediation model exploring the underlying mechanisms of how extraversion may statistically predict internet addiction through online-offline integration and antecedent factors. The serial mediation model analyses indicated that extraverted internet users exhibited a weaker preference for online anonymity and less online extraversion compensation, thus formulating a higher level of online-offline integration than introverted individuals, which, in turn, appeared to reduce the risk of internet addiction. In contrast, with regard to specific components of online-offline integration, introverted internet users preferred online anonymity, which reduced their relationship integration and increased their likelihood of internet addiction; similarly, the introverted individuals were also more likely to exhibit an extraversion compensation effect. That is, they were more extraverted on the internet than in general; hence, they had a lower level of self-identity integration, resulting in a greater likelihood of experiencing internet addiction. These results highlight the importance of online-offline integration that may account for personality variations in social and psychological outcomes related to internet use, and suggest a role for online anonymity preference and extraversion compensation in influencing specific components of integration.

How Does the Parent–Adolescent Relationship Affect Adolescent Internet Addiction? Parents’ Distinctive Influences

Although previous research has demonstrated that parent–adolescent relationships have a significant effect on adolescent Internet Addiction (IA), the mechanisms underlying these associations and parental differences in these effects have received insufficient attention. We investigated the mediating role of Perceived Social Support and Dual System of Self-Control (DSSC) in the relationship between Father-Adolescent Relationships/Mother-Adolescent Relationships (FAR/MAR) and adolescent IA, as well as the differences in the effects of FAR and MAR. A cross-sectional survey of 732 Chinese adolescents was conducted using the Adolescent Pathological Internet Use Scale, Parent–Adolescent Relationship Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Dual System of Self-Control Scale. Multiple linear regression analysis, Pearson correlation analysis and structural equation modeling were used. The results of structural modeling analysis showed that neither FAR nor MAR directly predicted adolescent IA. In contrast, FAR/MAR had an impact on adolescent IA mainly through the mediating effects of Perceived Social Support and Impulsive System. Furthermore, in the relationship between FAR/MAR and adolescent IA, the Impulsive System and Perceived Social Support both served as chain mediators, as did Perceived Social Support and the Reflective System. And more importantly, unlike FAR, MAR affects adolescent IA through the mediating effect of the Reflective System. Multiple linear regression showed that the regression coefficient of MAR on adolescent IA had stronger significance compared to FAR, MAR is deserving of more attention than FAR. These findings contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the association between FAR/MAR and adolescent IA and suggest that family relationship-focused training approaches are critical for suppressing adolescent IA. These interventions should be tailored to the unique circumstances of each family.

What are the effects of different elements of media on radicalization outcomes? A systematic review

Background

Most national counter-radicalization strategies identify the media, and particularly the Internet as key sources of risk for radicalization. However, the magnitude of the relationships between different types of media usage and radicalization remains unknown. Additionally, whether Internet-related risk factors do indeed have greater impacts than other forms of media remain another unknown. Overall, despite extensive research of media effects in criminology, the relationship between media and radicalization has not been systematically investigated.

Objectives

This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to (1) identify and synthesize the effects of different media-related risk factors at the individual level, (2) identify the relative magnitudes of the effect sizes for the different risk factors, and (3) compare the effects between outcomes of cognitive and behavioral radicalization. The review also sought to examine sources of heterogeneity between different radicalizing ideologies.

Search Methods

Electronic searches were carried out in several relevant databases and inclusion decisions were guided by a published review protocol. In addition to these searches, leading researchers were contacted to try and identify unpublished or unidentified research. Hand searches of previously published reviews and research were also used to supplement the database searches. Searches were carried out until August 2020.

Selection Criteria

The review included quantitative studies that examined at least one media-related risk factor (such as exposure to, or usage of a particular medium or mediated content) and its relationship to either cognitive or behavioral radicalization at the individual level.

Data Collection and Analysis

Random-effects meta-analysis was used for each risk factor individually and risk factors were arranged in rank-order. Heterogeneity was explored using a combination of moderator analysis, meta-regression, and sub-group analysis.

Results

The review included 4 experimental and 49 observational studies. Most of the studies were judged to be of low quality and suffer from multiple, potential sources of bias. From the included studies, effect sizes pertaining to 23 media-related risk factors were identified and analyzed for the outcome of cognitive radicalization, and two risk factors for the outcome of behavioral radicalization. Experimental evidence demonstrated that mere exposure to media theorized to increase cognitive radicalization was associated with a small increase in risk (g = 0.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-0.03, 19]). A slightly larger estimate was observed for those high in trait aggression (g = 0.13, 95% CI [0.01, 0.25]). Evidence from observational studies shows that for cognitive radicalization, risk factors such as television usage have no effect (r = 0.01, 95% CI [-0.06, 0.09]). However, passive (r = 0.24, 95% CI [0.18, 0.31]) and active (r = 0.22, 95% CI [0.15, 0.29]) forms of exposure to radical content online demonstrate small but potentially meaningful relationships. Similar sized estimates for passive (r = 0.23, 95% CI [0.12, 0.33]) and active (r = 0.28, 95% CI [0.21, 0.36]) forms of exposure to radical content online were found for the outcome of behavioral radicalization.

Authors' Conclusions

Relative to other known risk factors for cognitive radicalization, even the most salient of the media-related risk factors have comparatively small estimates. However, compared to other known risk factors for behavioral radicalization, passive and active forms of exposure to radical content online have relatively large and robust estimates. Overall, exposure to radical content online appears to have a larger relationship with radicalization than other media-related risk factors, and the impact of this relationship is most pronounced for behavioral outcomes of radicalization. While these results may support policy-makers' focus on the Internet in the context of combatting radicalization, the quality of the evidence is low and more robust study designs are needed to enable the drawing of firmer conclusions.

Impulsivity, inhibition, and internet addiction in medical students of North of Iran

BACKGROUND

Internet addiction, a serious psychological disorder, has rapidly increased among students and caused substantial interpersonal impairments. On the other hand, some evidence has indicated that impulsivity is associated with addictive behaviors.

OBJECTIVES

There are a few studies concerning the relationship between internet addiction and impulsivity in Iranian students. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between impulsivity and internet addiction in the medical students of Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Golestan, Iran, within 2020-2021.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, 260 medical students at Golestan University of Medical Sciences in 2021 completed demographic, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and Young questionnaires and participated in a Go/No-Go computer test. Based on Young test scores, the students were divided into three groups of normal users, at-risk users, and users requiring treatment and compared regarding impulsivity and inhibition ability. Data was analyzed using SPSS v 23.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 24.16 years. The results showed a significant correlation between impulsivity and internet addiction (p = 0.001), which was established in all contextual indicators. A significant correlation was also shown between impulsivity and internet addiction (r = 0.602 and p = 0.001), both in male and female student. However, restraint index was correlated with internet addiction only in females (r = 0.187 and p = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

Based on these findings, impulsivity increases alongside the rising of the internet addiction severity and does not influence by gender.