Addictive Behaviors Research Articles

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PURCHASE INTENTION OF MICRO TRANSACTIONS IN FREEMIUM MOBILE GAMES IN BANGKOK: A CASE OF HONKAI STAR RAIL

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to determine the significant influence of Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Hedonic Motivation, Price Value, and Game Satisfaction towards purchase intention of microtransactions in freemium mobile games in Bangkok in the case of Honkai: Star Rail. Understanding these influencing factors can help game developers and stakeholders gain valuable insights into player behavior and develop monetization strategies to maximize positive player experiences and revenue. Design/methodology/approach: This research uses primary and secondary data collection methods in addition to descriptive and inferential data analysis techniques to analyze the factors influencing the purchase intention of microtransactions in freemium mobile games. The data was collected from 396 respondents who live in Bangkok, have played Honkai: Star Rail on a smartphone, and have the intention to purchase microtransactions in Honkai: Star Rail. This research referenced twelve theoretical frameworks from previous studies to construct a conceptual framework. Findings: This research shows that Performance Expectancy, Hedonic Motivation, and Game Satisfaction have a significant influence on the purchase intention of microtransactions in freemium mobile games in Bangkok in the case of Honkai: Star Rail. Research limitations/implications: Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further. Practical implications: This research offers valuable insights for game developers and stakeholders to enhance monetization strategies for freemium games like Honkai: Star Rail. Social implications: This research highlights the growing influence of mobile gaming on consumer behavior. This has broader implications for discussions around digital consumption, addictive behaviors, and the ethics of in-game purchases, prompting stakeholders to consider responsible game design and marketing practices that prioritize player well-being while maximizing revenue. Originality/value: This paper fulfils an identified need to study the factors influencing microtransaction purchase intentions within the Bangkok market.

Behavioral Addiction Treatment Centers in the Hospitals of Türkiye: A Web-Based Research.

This study investigates the current landscape of behavioral addiction treatment in Türkiye hospitals, considering both inpatient and outpatient approaches. The analysis involved examining the websites of 1393 hospitals across Türkiye based on various criteria. The review of the websites was conducted between June and September 2023. The findings reveal that out of these hospitals, comprising 822 public and 571 private institutions, only 51 provide treatment for behavioral addictions. Behavioral addiction treatments are available in 23 of the 81 provinces in Türkiye, and 24 out of the 51 hospitals offering treatment for behavioral addictions are located in İstanbul (47.1%), while three (5.9%) are located in Ankara. Among these 51 hospitals, 22 are public, and 29 are private. The primary focus of treatment revolves around internet and gambling addiction. Upon analyzing the patient groups served, it was observed that 49% (n = 25) of the hospitals specialize in treating adult patients, while 29.4% (n = 15) cater to pediatric patients. While the websites of 11 hospitals contain information about the behavioral addiction treatments offered, they lack any information on the patient groups to which they cater. The predominant treatment modalities include psychotherapy (25.49%), followed by psychopharmacotherapy (19.61%) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (17.65%). In conclusion, the treatment of behavioral addictions, such as those related to the internet, gaming, and shopping, are offered in hospitals across various regions and age groups. Considering that only 3.7% of hospitals in Türkiye treat behavioral addictions, this type of treatment is not widespread.

Long-term changes on behavioral addictions symptoms among adults with attention deficithyperactivity disorder treated withmethylphenidate.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and behavioral addictions (BAs) are highly comorbid but little is known about the effect of anti-ADHD medications on behavioral addiction symptoms. Thus, the aim of this naturalistic prospective study was to investigate the long-term changeson BAs symptoms among methylphenidate-treated adults with a primary diagnosis of ADHD. 37 consecutive adult ADHD outpatients completed a baseline and follow-up assessment of ADHD, mood and BAs symptoms (internet, shopping, food, sex addictions and gambling disorder) after one year of methylphenidate (flexible dose) treatment. Internet addiction test scores pre-treatment were significantly higher than post-treatment scores (p < 0.001). The same trend was seenfor the shopping addiction (p = 0.022), food addiction scores (p = 0.039) and sex addiction scores (p = 0.047). Gambling disorder scores did not differ pre and post treatment since none of the included patients reported significant gambling symptoms at baseline. The rate of ADHD patients with at least one comorbid BA was reduced after methylphenidate treatment (51.4% vs 35.1%). The correlation analyses showed a moderate positive correlation between the changes in sluggish cognitive tempo symptoms, cognitive impulsivity, mood and anxiety symptoms and changes in internet addiction symptoms. This is the first study showing that after one-year of treatment with methylphenidate,adult ADHD patients show a significant reduction on internet, food, shopping and sex addiction symptoms. Further controlled studies with larger samples should replicate these preliminaryresults and elucidate the role of methylphenidate and other moderator factors (such as concomitant psychological treatments or lifestyle habits changes) on BAs improvements.

Factors associated with depressive symptoms among 1,502 couples in the immediate puerperium.

Historically, perinatal depression has predominantly focussed on the mother-baby dyad, often neglecting the crucial role of fathers. To determine the prevalence and associated factors of depressive symptoms in the immediate puerperium (PDS) in both mothers and fathers, individually and concurrently. This study employed a cross-sectional design. The presence of PDS was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), with a cut-off score of ⩾11 for mothers and ⩾9 for fathers. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors independently associated with PDS. Robustness of findings was verified through sensitivity analyses among participants without prior psychiatric conditions. Among 1,502 partnered mothers and fathers aged ⩾18 years who met the inclusion criteria, PDS were present in 13.0% of mothers, 10.5% of fathers and 3.5% of both parents. Mother-baby skin-to-skin contact and the father's pregnancy planning were associated with a lower likelihood of PDS in mothers. For fathers, financial difficulties increased the likelihood of experiencing PDS threefold. The presence of PDS in mothers quadrupled the likelihood of PDS in fathers, and vice versa; their EPDS scores demonstrated a moderate correlation (rs = .38). Among participants without prior psychiatric conditions, the odds of co-occurring PDS nearly tripled if the mother had a history of abortion or miscarriage. Fathers who had increased potentially addictive behaviours showed a six-fold increase in the likelihood of experiencing PDS. Identifying depressive symptoms in both parents and incorporating fathers into clinical practice, research and health policy could enhance mental health outcomes in vulnerable populations.

Psychometric Properties of the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS) Among Students at Jeddah University, KSA

Objectives: The current study examines the psychometric properties (validity and reliability) of the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS) to verify its adequacy for the Saudi environment. The study identifies gender differences in smartphone addiction at Jeddah University and highlights a variety of smartphone-based activities. Methods: The sample consists of (272) male and female students at Jeddah University, and it is divided into )152( female students and )120( male students, respectively representing 55.9% and 44.1%. Their ages range from 19 to 23 years old with an average age of 21.66 and a standard deviation of 1.732. The tools include a basic data collection form and the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS) by Kwon et al., 2013a. Results: The study shows that the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS) has good psychometric properties, reflecting its validity and reliability in the Saudi environment. Moreover, the study reveals that there are significant differences between male and female university students in smartphone addiction at 0.001, favoring male students. That is, male students suffer more from smartphone addiction than female students. In addition, the study shows that there are diverse smartphone-based activities among students. Conclusion: Based on the results, the study recommends offering counseling programs, lectures, and seminars to raise awareness of the negative effects of using smartphones and to help university students (especially males) to get rid of this behavioral addiction.

The Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on addictive behaviors: an integrative review

Addictive behaviors and their impacts have been widely explored. Going through a pandemic moment requires further research since crisis situations involve higher propensity to dependency. The aim of this integrative review was to identify studies that have been conducted so as to explore behaviors related to brain’s reward system in a pandemic period, which include substance addiction, internet addiction, gaming and other overusing behaviors. In order to accomplish our objective an integrative search was conducted in CAPES periodicals. Some inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select the studies and in total (N=12) were explored independently. The results showed that there is an increasingly concern about health care systems, especially for those addicted to substances who need daily support, since addictions habits may have also increased. Behavioral addictions also increased and were exploited in some studies, especially those related to technologies, such as gaming and smartphone usage.

How Metacognitions Contribute to Compulsive Online Shopping: An Exploratory Study.

Compulsive Online Shopping (COS) is considered a technological addiction, characterized by excessive engagement in online shopping behaviors that can cause economic, social, and emotional impairments in an individual's life. Among the theoretical models aimed at conceptualizing addictive behaviors, the metacognitive model has gained increased attention. However, no previous study has investigated the role of metacognitions in COS. The current study was aimed at clarifying the contribution of metacognitions about online shopping as potential mediating variables in the relationship between some well-established psychological correlates (i.e., boredom proneness, impulsivity, materialism, negative affect) and COS. A sample of 254 participants (mean age = 34.79 ± 11.45; Females = 84.3%) was recruited using convenience sampling. The hypothesized model produced a good fit to the data and accounted for 48% of COS variance. All the correlates (i.e., boredom proneness, impulsivity, materialism, and negative affect) were significantly and positively associated with Positive Metacognitions About Emotional And Cognitive Regulation, which in turn predicted COS. Boredom proneness and impulsivity were also positively associated with Negative Metacognitions About Uncontrollability And Cognitive Harm of online shopping, which in turn predicted COS. All the indirect effects were significant. The present findings add to the argument that the metacognitive model of addictive behaviors may applied to the understanding of COS and open the possibility of applying metacognitive techniques to the treatment of COS.

Social isolation induces addictive behavior and increases release of dopamine in the &lt;i&gt;nucleus accumbens&lt;/i&gt; in response to stimulation of the positive reinforcing zone

The study of the role of social isolation in the pathogenesis of addictive behavior disorders is an important medical and biological problem. Of particular importance are the limitations of social experience in ontogenesis. This work makes an attempt to find a connection between social isolation in ontogenesis and impulsive-compulsive behavior, as an indicator of the premorbid background for gaming and other forms of behavioral addictions. The mechanisms of addictive behavior in rats reared in isolation (IS) were investigated by analyzing the extracellular release of dopamine in response to stimulation of the positive reinforcing zone. Before the experiments, male rats were kept in individual cages from the 21st day of birth to the 90th day. To study elements of addictive behavior, a variant of the Iowa Gambling Task in a 3-arm maze and a method of developing compulsive overeating using intermittent consumption of high-calorie foods were used. To study compulsive behavior, a marble test was used against the background of withdrawal from a high-calorie diet. Surgeries were performed to implant electrodes into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the nucleus accumbens in rats exhibiting elements of addictive behavior in the 3-arm maze. These animals were then trained to respond to VTA self-stimulation. Dopamine release was recorded telemetrically in freely moving rats in response to electrical stimulation of the VTA self-stimulation zone. Fast scan cyclic voltammetry was used to determine changes in dopamine levels in the extracellular environment of the nucleus accumbens. IS entered less into the arm with a high degree of probability but with a low reward, and entered more in the arm with a low degree of probability, but with a high reward, which is associated with the appearance of impulsivity in behavior. In the model of compulsive overeating, the number of approaches to the feeder in IS increased, and against the background of withdrawal of high-calorie food, IS were more active in the marble test. In IS exhibiting elements of addictive behavior in the 3-arm maze, the content of extracellular dopamine in response to electrical stimulation of the VTA self-stimulation zones did not reveal any differences compared to the control group of rats with addictive behavior in the maze. At the same time, IS exhibiting elements of addictive behavior in the maze showed a more pronounced dopamine response to a complex stimulus: a conditioned signal used during maze learning light + VTA stimulation. Thus, rearing in the IS causes an increase in dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens in response to stimulation of the positive reinforcement area associated with addictive behaviors: impulsivity and compulsivity. A conclusion is drawn about the prospects of studying the extracellular release of dopamine and assesses addictive behavior disorders caused by limited social contacts in ontogenesis.

Psychopathological Aspects of Parasuicidal Behavior in Adolescents and Young Adults

Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the psychopathological symptoms associated with self-harming behavior in order to develop preventive measures.Materials and Methods. We included individuals aged 18 to 35. The main group consisted of individuals with a history of self-harming behavior, while the control group included individuals without any history of self-harming behavior. All participants completed a structured interview and the following questionnaires: SCL-90-R, the questionnaire of propensity to deviant behavior, and the «Coping Behavior Methods» questionnaire. We assessed the severity of psychopathological symptoms, motivation, and other characteristics of self-harming behavior.Results. A total of 77 participants were included, divided into the main (n=39) and control (n=38) groups. Correlations were identified between the main characteristics of self-harming behavior. According to the SCL-90-R questionnaire, individuals with a history of self-harming behavior had higher scores in somatization, obsessions, sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, paranoia, and psychoticism (p&lt;0.01). The «avoidance» coping strategy was more prevalent in the main group (p&lt;0.05). According to the questionnaire of propensity to deviant behavior, individuals in the main group had higher scores in overcoming rules, aggression and violence, volitional control, and addictive, self-destructive, and delinquent behavior (p&lt;0.05). There were correlations between the regularity of self-harming behavior and the use of multiple types of self-harming behavior (r=0.497; p&lt;0.01), pursuit of internal goals (r=0.333; p&lt;0.05), occurrence of positive emotions after self-harm (r=0.352; p&lt;0.05), increasing desire to stop this behavior (r=0.359; p&lt;0.05), and difficulty achieving remission (r= –0.553; p&lt;0.01). Experiencing negative emotions after an act of self-harm was negatively associated with the use of multiple types of self-harming behavior (r= –0.412; p&lt;0.01) and addictive behavior (r= –0.408; p&lt;0.05).Conclusion. Adolescents and young adults with a history of self-harming behavior differ significantly from their peers in the presence of concomitant psychopathological symptoms. The regularity of self-harming behavior is associated with the use of multiple types of self-harming behavior and difficulty achieving remission. Our findings have clinical significance and may be incorporated into the development of preventive measures.

Understanding Experiences of Street Addiction Among People Experiencing Homelessness: A Qualitative Research Study

ABSTRACT Homelessness is a global concern and there is no sufficient information on the question of why some people repeatedly return to living and hanging out on the street even after rehabilitation attempts and giving them a place to stay and live. The main goal of the present study was to understand the draw of street life experiences of people experiencing homelessness through the framework of street addiction. The analytic framework of “street addiction,” developed in a previous study, parallels the criteria of behavioral addiction in DSM-5. Using an abductive-phenomenological strategy, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 people with chronic patterns of homelessness who had a background in substance use and with 3 support workers who worked with them. All the participants described experiences of severe street addiction and attraction to life on the streets. Their experiences matched the criteria of behavioral addiction and the theoretical model of street addiction. We recommend gaining an in-depth understanding of street addiction by conducting further studies to develop therapeutic, rehabilitative, and harm reduction responses to people experiencing homelessness.

Threats on SNS Use in Crisis With Conditional Analysis With Risk Mitigation and Fear of Missing Out

In response to the evolving e-commerce landscape, the study investigates changing patterns of social networking site (SNS) usage during a pandemic. Grounded in the interaction of the person-affect-cognition-execution model for addictive behaviors and the appraisal and coping theory, it explores the depth and extent of SNS usage. Specifically, the study examines the moderated mediating effect of perceived stress (PS) and fear of missing out, with risk mitigation behavior as a moderator. With data from a nationwide survey in Korea with 760 responses, results show that risk mitigation behavior moderates the relationship between infection threat and PS, while PS and fear of missing out mediate the effect of infection threat on SNS usage. The moderated mediation of PS was significant, shedding light on the complex psychological mechanisms that drive SNS behavior during global crises. The findings deepen understanding of how stress and coping strategies shape SNS engagement in response to crisis.

Addictive behaviors: decades of research, but still so many questions!

Addictive behaviors: decades of research, but still so many questions!

Perspectives on addiction-related problems in India.

To offer insights into various salient substance use and addictive behaviours related aspects as applicable to India. We synthesised the published literature on addictive disorders from India. While not a systematic review of all available literature, the synthesis captures relevant themes including salient epidemiological findings, issues related to the prevention and management services targeted at addictive disorders, key observations in the context of the state of addiction science in the country, the policy status and its implications for the country. In general, the prevalence of substance use in India seems to be lower compared with global averages. For opioids, the prevalence rate is higher than the global average. Addiction prevention and treatment options for persons with addictive disorders in India can be best described as 'diverse': there is a wide range of services available, which vary across settings. Some models, services and products aimed at prevention and treatment of addictive disorders have been developed in the country. The policy, regulatory framework and programs targeted at addictions are not entirely in sync with the science. India has a substantial body of addiction science research. The addiction landscape in India is complex and evolving. There is a heterogeneity not only across the different themes related to addiction, but also within the themes across different parts of the country.

Interaction Effects Between Low Self-Control and Meaning in Life on Internet Gaming Disorder Symptoms and Functioning in Chinese Adolescents: Cross-Sectional Latent Moderated Structural Equation Modeling Study.

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is an emerging behavioral addiction with mental health implications among adolescents. Low self-control is an established risk factor of IGD. Few studies have, however, examined the moderating role of meaning in life (MIL) on the relationships between low self-control and IGD symptoms and functioning. This study aimed to examine the effects of low self-control and MIL and their interaction effects on IGD symptoms and family and school functioning in a structural equation model. A sample of 2064 adolescents (967, 46.9% male; mean age 14.6 years) was recruited by multistage cluster random sampling from 5 middle schools in Sichuan, China, in 2022. The participants completed a self-report questionnaire with validated measures on low self-control, presence of MIL, search for MIL, IGD symptoms, school commitment, and family functioning. Construct validity, measurement invariance, and structural invariance of the measures were evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis across sex. Structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the indirect effects of low self-control and MIL on family and school functioning through IGD symptoms. Latent moderated structural equation modeling was performed to examine the interaction effects between low self-control and MIL on IGD symptoms, school commitment, and family functioning. All scales showed satisfactory model fit and scalar measurement invariance by sex. Males showed significantly greater IGD symptoms and lower levels of self-control (Cohen d=0.25-1.20, P<.001) than females. IGD symptoms were significantly and positively associated with impulsivity (β=.20, P=.01), temper (β=.25, P<.001), and search for meaning (β=.11, P=.048) and significantly and negatively associated with presence of meaning (β=-.21, P<.001). Presence of MIL and impulsivity showed a significant and negative interaction effect (β=-.11, SE .05; P=.03) on IGD symptoms. The positive effect of impulsivity on IGD symptoms was stronger among adolescents with low presence of MIL than those with high presence of MIL. Temper showed significant and positive interaction effects with presence of MIL (β=.08, SE .04; P=.03) and search for MIL (β=.08, SE .04; P=.04) on family functioning. The negative effects of temper on family functioning were stronger among adolescents with low levels of MIL than among those with high levels of MIL. This study provides the first findings on the interaction effects between low self-control and presence of MIL and search for MIL on IGD symptoms and functioning among a large sample of adolescents in rural China. The results have implications for targeted interventions to help male adolescents with lower self-control and presence of meaning.

Understanding negative technological use from a self-regulation perspective

ABSTRACT Effective ways of prevention of addictive behaviours such as IT addiction remain absent. This study fills this gap by developing a model that builds on the self-regulation theory. This model seeks to understand how addictive symptoms are affected by two-stage of self-regulation approaches and IT mindfulness. We conceptualise addictive symptoms as both urge and addiction. Self-regulation approaches entail self-regulation strategies and responses. This study theorises strategies as both personal self-regulation (PSR) and social self-regulation (SSR), and responses as both cognitive emotion preoccupation (CEP) and cognitive behavioural control (CBC). The proposed model is largely supported by the empirical data, showing that IT mindfulness exerts a significant impact on self-regulation strategies, which in turn affect self-regulation responses and subsequent addictive symptoms. Besides, the mediation test illustrates that CEP has a mediation effect on the relationship between CBC and addictive symptoms. This study contributes to the literature by theorising a nomological network of self-regulation for understanding the relationship between IT mindfulness, two-stage self-regulation approaches, and negative IT use. We provide implications for both theory and practice.

More than fun and games: Problematic sports betting and its adverse impact on mental health and well-being in young adults

BackgroundThe rapid rise in sports betting, especially among young adults (age 18–29), necessitates identifying health correlates of this addictive behavior. The present study examined associations between problem sports betting symptoms and mental health and well-being, which represents a timely literature gap. MethodThe sample was 221 young adult sport bettors from 36 different states (Mage = 24.4, 77.7% male). Regression models estimated associations between problem sports betting severity (PGSI-SB) and symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychological distress, loneliness, and stress, as well as indices of well-being, including satisfaction with life, optimism, connectedness, and social functioning. ResultsYoung adults with greater problem sports betting severity had significantly higher scores on each index of mental health symptomology and had poorer indices of well-being. The strongest relative effect size was the association between problem sports betting severity and stress (a 1SD increase in PGSI-SB score corresponded to 48% of a standard deviation increase in stress). ConclusionsThis study provides novel and timely evidence for associations between problem sports betting and various indices of mental health and well-being; thus, highlighting the need for rapid development of holistic prevention/intervention strategies aimed at the intersection of problem sports betting and mental health.

Affects, dissociative symptoms and addictive behaviours: Insights from clinical and non-clinical samples

ObjectivesCurrent literature links substance abuse with primary emotions and dissociative symptoms, but little research combines these relationships. This study investigates the clinical significance of these concepts and the mediating role of dissociative symptoms in the relationship between primary emotions and substance abuse. MethodsStudy 1 included 517 adults (77.6 % female, Age: M = 27.84) from the community. Path analysis examined the relationships between primary emotions (BANPS-GL), dissociative symptoms (FDS), psychopathology (BSI-18), and substance abuse (WHO-ASSIST). Study 2 involved 73 inpatients with substance use disorders (SUD) compared to 73 matched individuals from the general population, totalling 146 participants (21.9 % female, Age: M = 34.90). MANOVA and Discriminant analysis assessed the differences and contributions of the variables to group separation. ResultsSignificant correlations were found between the FDS and the WHO-ASSIST, all BSI-scales, and all primary emotions except SEEKING. The FDS was a key mediator between primary emotions and substance abuse (WHO-ASSIST) and effectively differentiated between the clinical and general population groups. ConclusionsThese findings highlight the role of dissociative symptoms in the relationship between emotional experiences and addictive behaviour. Future research should consider dissociative symptoms in the prevention and treatment of addictive disorders.

The bioSocial Cognitive Theory of Eating (bSCT-e): Applying and Elaborating on a Biopsychosocial Substance Use Theory for Food Addiction

Obesity rates are increasing globally, and food addiction (FA1) may be an important contributing factor but there is a lack of understanding of the key psychological mechanisms that contribute to FA. The bioSocial Cognitive Theory (bSCT) proposes that substance use is predicted by biologically based personality traits and their influence on social cognitive mechanisms. While validated in substance use, bSCT has not been applied to a behavioural or non-substance addiction. However, the bSCT does not include a negative affective personality component, of which there is clear theoretical and empirical support as risk factors for FA. Thus, this study sought to test both the original bSCT model and an elaborated version related to eating (bSCT-e) that included direct and indirect punishment sensitivity pathways to identify the individual risk factors of FA.Data were collected from 204 university students (75.5% female; Mage = 24.82, SD = 9.17) via an online survey. Both original bSCT and bSCT-e models provided a good fit to the data, with the latter providing slightly better fit and accounting for more variance in FA. The findings suggest that individuals who are more reward driven and punishment sensitive hold exaggerated beliefs about the reinforcing and emotion regulation effects of eating, which may undermine eating control and increase risk of FA. This study provides potential new insights into the complex biopsychosocial mechanisms of FA, and points to potential intervention targets.

WHY SELFIE? GENDER INVARIANCE IN MOTIVES FOR TAKING AND POSTING SELFIES

The study of motivation to engage in media-related behavioral addictions requires more research attention. Studies had identified generic motives across different types of media-related behavioral addictions, while other studies have revealed unique motives that are only applicable in specific media-related behavioral addictions. The current study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Motives for Taking and Posting Selfies Scale (MTPSS). A total of 207 university students in Malaysia were recruited to participate in this study, with 98 males (47.3%) and 109 females (52.7%), aged between 19 and 24 years old (M = 20.92, SD = 1.23). The results support the original four-factor structure of the MTPSS, namely appraisal-seeking self-presentation, entertainment, status-updating self-presentation, and documentation. In terms of reliability, the MTPSS demonstrated good internal consistency. The gender invariance of MTPSS was tested in configural, metric, scalar, and residual invariance models, supporting the notion that males and females responded similarly to the items of the MTPSS. Overall, the psychometric evidence suggests that the MTPSS is a valid and reliable tool for identifying motives of taking and posting selfies. With evidence of reliability, validity, and gender invariance, the MTPSS is found to be effective in understanding the motivational drivers of selfie-taking and posting behaviors.

Special Needs in Substance Use Treatment for Women Who Use Drugs: Social and Mental Health Factors

Women who receive substance use treatment have a particular classification of sensitivity to European drugs and drug use (according to the EMCDDA). The average level of women’s treatment is lower than men’s across Europe, while women’s abandonment is higher than men’s. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors associated with problems for women who use drugs, analyzing several psychological and social factors (gender, substance use, mental health, source of economic support, legal status, and abuse). Methodology: This was a quantitative study. Data on 2179 people receiving rehabilitation treatment were obtained from the EuropASI survey. The dependent variables in this study were (1) a patient’s known history of addiction and mental illness; (2) primary drug use; (3) drug use in their lifetime and the past month; (4) mood in their lifetime and the past month, physical condition, and sexual abuse history; (5) mental illness in their lifetime and the past month (including suicide attempts); (6) legal status in their lifetime and the past month; (7) and source of income in the past month and (8) and the number of patients. The factor of gender was taken as a dichotomous variable (male–female). The confidence interval used was 95%. Results: In summary, we found that women had consumed more alcohol, used more drugs, and suffered more from depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation than men, both during their lifetimes and in the past month. In addition, women were more likely than men to be stigmatized for prostitution because their financial support came mainly from colleagues, friends, and family, as well as from prostitution. Finally, women had experienced more violence (emotional, physical, and sexual) during their lifetimes and in the last month than men. Conclusion: There appears to be a need to develop a comprehensive treatment network for addictive behaviors from a multifactorial perspective, including harm reduction, psychosocial support, and recovery programs; furthermore, targeting specific groups with special needs, such as women, especially those with mental health problems, women with alcoholism, and abused women, it also seems important to develop adaptive recovery programs within addictive behavior treatment networks.