Problematic Internet use and problematic alcohol use from the cognitive-behavioral model: a longitudinal study among...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Adolescent Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Problematic Internet use (PIU) and problematic alcohol use are significant adolescent issues.
• These behaviors share common characteristics and predictors, suggesting interconnectedness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze temporal and reciprocal relationships among PIU components.
• To examine temporal and reciprocal relationships between PIU components and problematic alcohol use.
• To investigate gender differences in these relationships.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study with 801 Spanish adolescents.
• Data collected at two time points, six months apart.
• Structural equation modeling used to analyze relationships.

Main Results:

• Deficient self-regulation predicted increased preference for online interaction, mood regulation, and negative consequences of PIU.
• Negative consequences of PIU predicted increased problematic alcohol use.
• Relationships were consistent across genders.

Conclusions:

• Deficient self-regulation is a key factor in maintaining PIU.
• Negative consequences of PIU are a vulnerability factor for problematic alcohol use.
• Interventions should address self-regulation and PIU consequences to mitigate alcohol use risks.