The role of resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia in the family functioning-internet addiction symptoms link

Abstract

BackgroundRespiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) has been understood as a physiological marker of emotional regulatory capacity. To date, little is known about the potential psychophysiological contributions to which influence the family functioning on young adult's internet addiction (IA) symptoms. The aim of this research was to examine the moderating role of resting RSA and its link between family functioning and IA symptoms. MethodOne-hundred and nine participants (69 men) aged between 17 and 21 years old completed questionnaires on family functioning and IA symptoms. Data pertaining to RSA was collected during a resting period in the laboratory. ResultsResting RSA moderated the association between family functioning and IA symptoms. Specifically, poorer family functioning was related to higher levels of IA symptoms particularly for participants with low resting RSA. When the participants' resting RSA was high, family functioning showed no significant relation with IA symptoms. ConclusionOur findings indicated that lower resting RSA may place young adults at greater risk for IA symptoms. This occurs when exposed to poorer family functioning. Furthermore, high resting RSA may serve as a protective factor that alleviates the detrimental influences of poor family functioning on IA symptoms. These findings highlight that contemporaneous consideration is needed for both contextual and physiological factors. This can help to advance persons understanding of internet addictive behaviors in young adults.