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Underlying Mechanisms in Behavioral Addictions and Their Meaning for Prevention and Intervention Strategies

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2023) | Viewed by 31609

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Kai W. Müller

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Guest Editor

Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55122 Mainz, Germany
Interests: gambling disorder; gaming disorder; internet-related disorders; behavioral addictions; personality

Dr. Klaus Wölfling

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor

Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55122 Mainz, Germany
Interests: disorders; behavioral addictions; cognitive-behavioral treatment; efficacy of psychotherapy; neurobiological risk markers; prevention

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

During the past decades, behavioral addictions such as gambling disorder and gaming disorder have increasingly gained clinical significance. Prevalence rates worldwide emphasize that behavioral addictions, especially the emerging phenomenon of internet-related disorders, are frequently occurring mental health issues leading to heightened psychosocial problems, psychopathological symptoms, and decreased levels of functioning. Consequently, the World Health Organization has recently included gaming disorder as a new diagnosis within ICD-11. While there is growing knowledge on crucial aspects of behavioral addictions, like epidemiological features and diagnostic criteria, questions remain regarding their etiology. Knowing about these factors, which are supposed to cover biological, psychological, and social aspects, is especially relevant for a deeper understanding of the disorder itself but also represents a prerequisite for prevention and (early) intervention. This Special Issue aims to provide a state-of-the-art perspective on research addressing etiological mechanisms in behavioral addictions. Contributions may cover different kinds of behavioral addictions and may be empirical research papers, comprehensive reviews, or studies addressing theory-driven prevention or interventions approaches.

Dr. Kai W. Müller
Dr. Klaus Wölfling
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

behavioral addictions
etiology
gambling disorder
gaming disorder
internet-related disorders
intervention
prevention

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 851 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Problematic Facebook Use: The Indirect Effects of Perceived Stress

by Andrzej Cudo, Dorota Mącik and Mark D. Griffiths

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 2969; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20042969 - 08 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2244

Abstract

Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms. As well as facilitating contact and the exchange of information, the use of Facebook can lead to problematic Facebook use (PFU) among a small number of users. Previous studies have shown the relationship between PFU and early maladaptive schemas (EMSs). Additionally, previous studies have reported associations between PFU and perceived stress and between EMSs and perceived stress. Consequently, the main aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between PFU and EMSs and the role of perceived stress as a mediator of this relationship. The study comprised 993 Facebook users (505 female, M = 27.38 years, SD = 4.79, aged from 18 to 35 years). PFU was assessed using the eight-item Facebook Intrusion Scale, perceived stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Questionnaire, and EMSs were assessed using the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ–S3). The results suggested that insufficient self-control/self-discipline, approval seeking, dependence/incompetence, enmeshment, and entitlement/grandiosity schemas were positively associated with PFU. There was also a negative relationship between PFU and EMSs, such as social isolation/alienation and defectiveness/shame schemas. The findings showed that PFU was positively associated with external stress. Additionally, external stress had an indirect effect in the relationship between mistrust/abuse and PFU, failure to achieve and PFU, and self-punitiveness and PFU. These results contribute to a better understanding of PFU development mechanisms associated with early maladaptive schemas and perceived stress. Additionally, knowing the EMSs associated with PFU and perceived stress might improve the therapeutic interventions and prevention of this problematic behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Underlying Mechanisms in Behavioral Addictions and Their Meaning for Prevention and Intervention Strategies)

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15 pages, 372 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cell Phone Social Media Use and Psychological Well-Being in Young Adults: Implications for Internet-Related Disorders

by Suresh C. Joshi, Steven Woltering and Jay Woodward

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 1197; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20021197 - 10 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3562

Abstract

Internet-related disorders are on the rise and increasing cell phone social media use may be one of the reasons for these disorders. To better understand internet-related disorders, we aim to explore the psychological and social aspects of cell phone social media behaviors. We hypothesized that, according to humanistic theories of positive functioning, cell phone social media connectedness to self (engagement, interest, pleasure, sense of enjoyment, meaningfulness, purposefulness, optimism, acceptance, and feeling accomplished) would relate positively to psychological well-being of undergraduate students. We also hypothesized that, according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, cell phone social media connectedness to others (affiliation, feeling rewarded, being liked by others, and contributions to the well-being of others) would relate positively to the psychological well-being of undergraduate students. During the fall of 2019, 523 (75.4% female) undergraduate students from a large public university participated in this study by completing validated quantitative surveys on their cell phone use and psychological well-being. Spearman’s rho and ordinal logistics were implemented to analyze the findings. Correlational data showed that cell phone social media connectedness to self and cell phone social media connectedness to others were positively associated with the psychological well-being of undergraduate students. Ordinal logistics showed higher odds of psychological well-being occurring with cell phone social media connectedness to self and cell phone social media connectedness to others. Cell phone social media connectedness to self significantly predicted psychological well-being with the medium effect, whereas cell phone social media connectedness to others was not a significant predictor of the psychological well-being of undergraduate students. An increase in cell phone social media connectedness to self and an increase in cell phone social media connectedness to others of undergraduate students helped them improve their psychological well-being. Cell phone social media connectedness to self significantly predicted but cell phone social media connectedness to others did not predict the psychological well-being of undergraduate students, which may have implications for the research pertaining to behavioral addiction and may help better understand internet-related disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Underlying Mechanisms in Behavioral Addictions and Their Meaning for Prevention and Intervention Strategies)

11 pages, 346 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nosological Characteristics in Women with Social Media Disorder: The Role of Social Functional Impairment and Agreeableness

by Lara Scherer, Lisa Mader, Klaus Wölfling, Manfred E. Beutel, Boris Egloff and Kai W. Müller

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 15016; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192215016 - 15 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 998

Abstract

Social media disorder (SMD) is a frequently occurring subtype of Internet-related disorders (IRD), which has recently become a focus of research. It is noticeable that women are among those affected, whose nosological characteristics need to be examined. A clinical sample of n = 294 women (14–68 years, M = 36.88 years) was generated. The questionnaire included questions about demography, IRD, SMD, personality traits, psychopathological distress, functional impairment and comorbid mental illnesses. IRD was found in 17.5 percent and SMD in 12.5 percent of women. Compared to women with global IRD Women with SMD reported lower scores on the personality traits neuroticism and agreeableness. They are more frequently functionally impaired in the social dimension, more often reported comorbid substance-dependency and less eating disorders. The results suggest that although have similar characteristics to the comparison group, women with SMD differ in their nosological characteristics from women with global IRD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Underlying Mechanisms in Behavioral Addictions and Their Meaning for Prevention and Intervention Strategies)

18 pages, 1659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Depressive Symptoms, Loneliness, Self-Control, and Gaming Disorder among Polish Male and Female Gamers: The Indirect Effects of Gaming Motives

by Andrzej Cudo, Marcin Wojtasiński, Przemysław Tużnik, Agnieszka Fudali-Czyż and Mark D. Griffiths

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10438; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191610438 - 22 Aug 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3319

Abstract

The present study analyzed the relationship between gaming disorder (GD), motives for gaming, and psychological problems in daily life (i.e., depression, loneliness, and self-control deficits) among Polish gamers. More specifically, the purpose of the present study was to analyze the indirect effects between GD and psychological problems in daily life via motives for gaming among male and female gamers. Additionally, the present study examined gender differences in motives for gaming and the relationship between the analyzed variables. The sample comprised 652 gamers (233 females; M = 28.77 years; SD = 7.18; age range: 18–48 years). The nine-item Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Version (IGDS9-SF) was used to assess GD. The motives for gaming were assessed using the Motives for Online Gaming Questionnaire (MOGQ). The nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess depressive symptoms, and the Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS) was used to assess self-control. Loneliness was assessed using the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. In order to examine the relationship between the study variables, path analysis and indirect effects analysis were performed among both male and female gamers. The present study showed that depressive symptoms and self-control exerted a significant indirect effect on GD via escape and fantasy motives for gaming. Additionally, there was an indirect effect between depressive symptoms and GD via social motives for gaming. However, these indirect effects were found among male gamers only. The present study also showed gender differences in all analyzed gaming motives except escape (males scoring higher on all of them) and in the relationship between depressive symptoms and escape. These findings contribute to a better understanding of GD development mechanisms, which are associated with psychological problems in daily life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Underlying Mechanisms in Behavioral Addictions and Their Meaning for Prevention and Intervention Strategies)

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18 pages, 804 KiB

Open AccessArticle

To Be or Not to Be a Female Gamer: A Qualitative Exploration of Female Gamer Identity

by Daria J. Kuss, Anne Marie Kristensen, A. Jess Williams and Olatz Lopez-Fernandez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1169; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19031169 - 21 Jan 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 8941

Abstract

The literature on online gaming has generally focused on male gamers and has been dominated by negative aspects of gaming. The present study addresses the gender gap in this field by exploring experiences of female gamers further by unravelling several positive experiences alongside some potentially harmful tendencies connected to gaming, including female gamers’ wishes and ambitions for their future gaming. A total of 20 female adult gamers across Europe were interviewed and results were analysed using thematic analysis. Four main themes were identified: (i) to be or not to be a (female) gamer; (ii) improving social skills and levelling up on mental health; (iii) not always a healthy escape; and (iv) there is more to explore. The present study is one of few empirical studies regarding the construction of self-image, and experiences of female gamers. It has showed participants have a history as gamers from adolescence, but still face problems derived from the stigmatised internal gender self-image. Externally, female gamer stigmatisation may result in sexism, gender violence, harassment, and objectification. Additionally, females may decide against identifying as gamers, engaging in social gaming interaction, or hold back from online gaming in general, thereby missing out on the opportunities for recreation as well as social and psychological benefits that gaming brings. There is, therefore, urgent need for more research and actions to promote change, equity, education, and security for female gamers as well as their male counterparts. Game developers would benefit from understanding this large gamer demographic better and tailoring games for women specifically. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Underlying Mechanisms in Behavioral Addictions and Their Meaning for Prevention and Intervention Strategies)

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11 pages, 560 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Kai W. Müller, Manfred E. Beutel, Leonard Reinecke, Michael Dreier, Christian Schemer, Mathias Weber, Anna Schnauber-Stockmann, Birgit Stark, Oliver Quiring and Klaus Wölfling

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 529; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19010529 - 04 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2099

Abstract

Internet-related disorders (IRD) are increasingly becoming a major health issue. IRD are defined as the predominant use of online content, related to a loss of control and continued use despite negative consequences. Despite findings from cross-sectional studies, the causality of pathways accelerating the development of IRD are unclear. While etiological models emphasize the role of personality as risk factor, mutual influences between IRD and personality have not been examined. A prospective study with two assessments was conducted with n = 941 adolescents (mean age of 13.1 years; 10–17 years). Our aim was to validate etiological assumptions and to examine the effects of IRD-symptoms on the maturation of personality. IRD were measured with the Scale of the Assessment of Internet and Computer game Addiction (AICA-S). Personality traits were assessed using the Brief Five Factor Inventory (BFI). Conscientiousness and neuroticism were predictive for IRD symptoms one year later, and were likewise prone to changes depending on incidence or remission of IRD. Conscientiousness and openness moderated the course of IRD symptoms. Our findings point to complex trait–pathology associations. Personality influences the risk of development and maintenance of IRD symptoms and pre-existing IRD-symptoms affect the development of personality. Adaptations to etiological models are discussed and perspectives for novel intervention strategies are suggested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Underlying Mechanisms in Behavioral Addictions and Their Meaning for Prevention and Intervention Strategies)

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12 pages, 3503 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parent-Adolescent Communication, School Engagement, and Internet Addiction among Chinese Adolescents: The Moderating Effect of Rejection Sensitivity

by Jingjing Li, Chengfu Yu, Shuangju Zhen and Wei Zhang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3542; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18073542 - 29 Mar 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3684

Abstract

Although a large body of research has indicated that parent-adolescent communication is a crucial protective factor for adolescent Internet addiction, the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. To address this research gap, this study, based on social control theory and the organism-environment interaction model, was designed to test whether school engagement mediated the relationship between parent-adolescent communication and adolescent Internet addiction and whether this mediating effect was moderated by rejection sensitivity. A sample of 1006 adolescents (Mean_age = 13.16 years, SD = 0.67) anonymously completed the questionnaires. The results showed that the positive association between parent-adolescent communication and adolescent Internet addiction was mediated by school engagement. Moreover, this indirect link was stronger among adolescents with high rejection sensitivity than those with low rejection sensitivity. These findings highlighted school engagement as a potential mechanism linking parent-adolescent communication to adolescent Internet addiction, with high rejection sensitivity being an important risk factor amplifying this indirect effect. Intervention programs aimed at reducing Internet addiction among adolescents might benefit from the current research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Underlying Mechanisms in Behavioral Addictions and Their Meaning for Prevention and Intervention Strategies)

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Review

Jump to: Research

14 pages, 385 KiB

Open AccessReview

Features Linked to Treatment Outcomes in Behavioral Addictions and Related Disorders

by Gemma Mestre-Bach and Marc N. Potenza

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 2873; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20042873 - 07 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1584

Abstract

Behavioral addictions are incompletely understood with respect to their underlying etiologies. This incomplete understanding may contribute to the frequent relapse and dropout rate often observed with behavioral addictions. The present state-of-the-art review aimed to review the literature that explored sociodemographic and clinical factors that link to poor treatment responses. Despite multiple studies, the definitions and evaluations of relapse and dropout are heterogeneous, complicating comparisons across studies. A scientific consensus on the conceptualization of both terms would help to better understand psychological features linked to treatment outcomes in behavioral addictions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Underlying Mechanisms in Behavioral Addictions and Their Meaning for Prevention and Intervention Strategies)

20 pages, 926 KiB

Open AccessReview

Prevention and Harm Reduction Interventions for Adult Gambling at the Local Level: An Umbrella Review of Empirical Evidence

by Veronica Velasco, Paola Scattola, Laura Gavazzeni, Lara Marchesi, Ioana Elena Nita and Gilberto Giudici

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9484; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18189484 - 08 Sep 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4048

Abstract

Concerns about negative consequences of gambling diffusion are increasing. Prevention and harm reduction strategies play a crucial role in reducing gambling supply and harms. This study aims to conduct an umbrella review of the effectiveness of gambling preventive and harm reduction strategies, which can be implemented at a local level and targeted at adults. It was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Sixteen reviews were analyzed, and 20 strategies were selected and classified in 4 areas with different targets and aims. Reducing the supply of gambling is an effective strategy both for the general population and for risky or problematic gamblers. Demand reduction interventions have been found to have limited effects but most of them are mainly focused on knowledge about risks and odds ratios. Risk reduction strategies aim to reduce contextual risk factors of the area where gambling is provided, change the gambling locations’ features, and modify individual behaviors while gambling. Smoking and alcohol bans or restrictions are considered one of the most effective strategies. Finally, harm reduction strategies targeted at problematic gamblers are potentially effective. Some relevant implementation conditions are identified and the results show inconsistent effects across different targets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Underlying Mechanisms in Behavioral Addictions and Their Meaning for Prevention and Intervention Strategies)

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