Peer relationships and adolescent internet addiction: Variable-centered and person-centered approaches

Abstract

This research aimed to examine the relationship between peer relationships (i.e., popularity, peer rejection, and loneliness) and internet addiction among Chinese adolescents, as well as explore the underlying mechanisms. Cross-sectional data from 1,388 Chinese adolescents, including 46.4 % girls, with a mean age of 14.53 years (±1.98 years), was analyzed. Latent profiles analysis identified three peer relationship profiles: the popular peer status profile (61.2 %), the moderate peer status profile (32.2 %), and the unpopular peer status profile (6.6 %). The mediating roles of self-annoyance and self-control were found in the associations between peer relationships and internet addiction using both variable and person-centered approaches. These findings hold significant implications for tailoring intervention programs that target the prevention of internet addiction among adolescents with poor peer relationships.