Abstract
Trajectories of internalizing disorders and behavioral addictions are still largely unknown. Research shows that both disorders are highly comorbid. Previous longitudinal studies have focused on associations between internalizing disorders and behavioral addictions using screening instruments. Our aim was to develop and examine a theory-based model of trajectories, according to which internalizing disorders foster symptoms of Internet use disorders, mediated by a reward deprivation and maladaptive emotion regulation. We applied clinically relevant measures for depression and social anxiety in a prospective longitudinal study with a 12-month follow-up investigation. On the basis of an at-risk population of 476 students (mean age = 14.99 years, SD = 1.99), we investigated the predictive influence of clinically relevant depression and social anxiety at baseline (t1) on Internet use disorder symptoms at 12-month follow-up (t2) using multiple linear regression analyses. Our results showed that both clinically relevant depression and social anxiety significantly predicted symptom severity of Internet use disorders one year later after controlling for baseline symptoms of Internet use disorders, gender and age. These results remained robust after including both depression and social anxiety simultaneously in the model, indicating an independent influence of both predictors on Internet use disorder symptoms. The present study enhances knowledge going beyond a mere association between internalizing disorders and Internet use disorders. To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating clinically relevant depression and social anxiety to predict future Internet use disorder symptoms at 12-month follow-up. In line with our model of trajectories, a significant temporal relationship between clinically relevant internalizing disorders and Internet use disorder symptoms at 12-month follow-up was confirmed. Further studies should investigate the mediating role of reward deprivation and maladaptive emotion regulation, as postulated in our model. One implication of these findings is that clinicians should pay particular attention to the increased risk of developing behavioral addictions for adolescents with depression and social anxiety.
Highlights
In clinical practice we notice a rising number of adolescents that show a problematic use of Internet applications
Both social anxiety and depression at t1 were statistically significantly correlated with Internet use disorder symptoms at t2 (r = 0.26; p < 0.01)
Correlated data further display a negative association between gender and Internet use disorder symptoms at t1 (r = −0.12; p < 0.01), indicating a tendency in males to show more symptoms of Internet use disorder compared to females at baseline
Summary
In clinical practice we notice a rising number of adolescents that show a problematic use of Internet applications. Internet use disorder is typically characterized by symptoms of loss of control, giving priority to Internet use over other activities, and continuation despite negative consequences, which cause significant distress and impairment (e.g., Starcevic and Aboujaoude, 2017). It is further suggested as an umbrella construct for Internet-related disorders, as it comprises both the addictive use of game applications (such as video games) as well as the addictive use of non-gaming Internet applications (such as social media, online pornography, or online shopping) (Lindenberg et al, 2020). Other non-gaming activities such as social network use disorders, pornography use disorders or shopping disorders can be classified as other behavioral addictions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
