The moderating role of self-control between impulsiveness and risky decision-making among college students with pathological internet use

Abstract

Objective To explore the relationship between impulsiveness and risky decision-making among college students with pathological internet use (PIU), as well as the moderating role of self-control. Methods Totally 542 undergraduates anonymously completed the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Chinese Version of Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, Risk Preference Questionnaire, Self-Control Scale. Results (1)In loss frames, the scores of risky decision-making with high (20.26±4.83) and medium (20.40±5.53) level of impulsiveness among college students with PIU significantly were higher than those with low (18.92±5.03) level of impulsiveness (F(2, 323)=3.79, P<0.05, η2=0.02). (2)There was a significant negative correlation between impulsiveness (60.68±10.40) and self-control (55.56±9.07)(r=-0.60, P<0.01). And there was a significant positive correlations between impulsiveness and risky decision-making in loss frames (20.12±5.26)(r=0.13, P<0.05). The risky decision-making in gain frames (17.17±4.38) was positively correlated with that in loss frames (r=0.52, P<0.01). (3)Self-control played a moderating role in the association between impulsiveness and risky decision-making in loss frames (β=0.13, t=2.31, P<0.05). Conclusion In loss frames, impulsiveness is positively related with risky decision-making, and self-control plays a moderating role between impulsiveness and risky decision-making in loss frames among college students with PIU. Key words: College students; Pathological internet use; Impulsiveness; Risky decision-making; Self-control