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The Relationship Between Personality Traits, Psychopathological Symptoms, and Problematic Internet Use: A Complex
Beatrix Koronczai1, Gyöngyi Kökönyei2,3,4, Mark D Griffiths5
1Department of Developmental and Clinical Child Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
Journal of Medical Internet Research
|April 27, 2019
Summary
This study reveals that personality traits like conscientiousness and emotional stability significantly influence problematic internet use, both directly and indirectly through psychological distress. Understanding these links is key for intervention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Extensive research links problematic internet use (PIU) with psychopathological symptoms and personality traits.
- Complex mediation models explaining these associations remain underdeveloped.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a mediation model examining the interplay between PIU, psychopathology, and personality traits.
- To investigate the direct and indirect effects of personality on PIU through psychological distress.
Main Methods:
- Structural equation modeling (SEM) and path analysis were employed.
- Data collected from 265 participants (90.2% male, mean age 22.45) in Beijing, including individuals from a medical addiction center and internet cafes.
- Two mediation models were constructed and tested.
Main Results:
- Low conscientiousness and depression directly influenced PIU in the first model.
- Emotional stability indirectly affected PIU via depressive symptoms.
- Low conscientiousness directly impacted PIU in the second model, with emotional stability indirectly influencing PIU via the Global Severity Index.
Conclusions:
- Personality traits, specifically conscientiousness (protective) and neuroticism (risk), are significant factors in PIU.
- These traits exert influence both directly and indirectly through psychological distress levels.
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