A Twin Study of Problematic Internet Use: Its Heritability and Genetic Association With Effortful Control

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 279-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengjiao Li ◽  
Jie Chen ◽  
Naishi Li ◽  
Xinying Li
Keyword(s):  
Effortful Control ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Parent Report ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Problematic Internet Use ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Environmental Variance

Our goal was to estimate genetic and environmental sources of influence on adolescent problematic internet use, and whether these individual differences can be explained by effortful control, an important aspect of self-regulation. A sample of 825 pairs of Chinese adolescent twins and their parents provided reports of problematic internet use and effortful control. Univariate analysis revealed that genetic factors explained 58–66% of variance in problematic internet use, with the rest explained by non-shared environmental factors. Sex difference was found, suggesting boys’ problematic internet use was more influenced by genetic influences than girls’ problematic internet use. Bivariate analysis indicated that effortful control accounted for a modest portion of the genetic and non-shared environmental variance in problematic internet use among girls. In contrast, among boys, effortful control explained between 6% (parent report) and 20% (self-report) of variance in problematic internet use through overlapping genetic pathways. Adolescent problematic internet use is heritable, and poor effortful control can partly explain adolescent problematic internet use, with effects stronger for boys. Implications for future research are discussed.

scholarly journals Problematic Internet Use among University Students and Its Relationship with Social Skills

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1301
Author(s):  
Miriam Romero-López ◽  
Carmen Pichardo ◽  
Isabel De De Hoces ◽  
Trinidad García-Berbén
Keyword(s):  
Social Skills ◽  
University Students ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Problematic Internet Use ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Older Students ◽  
Positive Feeling ◽  
Use Of The Internet

Internet use has been steadily and unstoppably gaining ground in all areas of life, from recreational activities to the establishment of social relations. However, addictive use of the Internet is a problem that seriously affects some people. Factors that may influence the occurrence of inappropriate internet use include age and social skills. For this reason, the aim of this study is to analyze the influence of social skills and age on the development of problematic internet use in university students. The study involved 514 students enrolled at a university in Spain, who filled in two questionnaires, one on problematic internet use and the other on social skills. Multivariate multiple linear regression models revealed that some social skills variables (conversation and social ease, empathic and positive feeling skills, risk coping) predicted problematic internet use. In addition, age played a role in preference for online social interaction and deficient self-regulation. Younger students were more at risk of having obsessive thoughts related to internet use and of engaging in compulsive internet use compared to older students.

An Empirical Study of Problematic Internet Use and Self-Esteem

2013 ◽  
pp. 82-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Widyanto ◽  
Mark Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Internet Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Problematic Internet Use ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Online Activity ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Robust Evidence

Previous research has alluded to the existence of a relationship between self-esteem and problematic Internet use. The main aim of the study was to examine the relationship between problematic Internet use and a number of distinct demographic, behavioural, and psychosocial variables. Using an online survey, a self-selected sample comprising 1,467 Internet users participated in the study. The survey comprised 50 questions including validated scales for both self-esteem (Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale) and problematic Internet use (Internet Related Problem Scale; IPRS) in addition to demographic information. Based on previous literature, it was hypothesized that problematic Internet users were more likely than non-problematic Internet users to post low self-esteem scores. Results showed that self-esteem was strongly and negatively associated with IRPS. Also, for those with high IRPS scores, participation in online forums was the primary online activity followed by online gaming and chatting. Although the study comprised a self-selecting sample and utilized self-report, the results appear to provide robust evidence of an association between self-esteem and problematic Internet use mirroring prior research in the area.

scholarly journals Predictive Influence of Executive Functions, Effortful Control, Empathy, and Social Behavior on the Academic Performance in Early Adolescents

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan P. Zorza ◽  
Julián Marino ◽  
Alberto Acosta Mesas
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Social Behavior ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Effortful Control ◽  
Social Preference ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Early Adolescents ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Mediating Role

In this study, we explored the predictive role of behavioral measures of Executive Functions (EFs) and a self-report measure of Effortful Control (EC) on the academic performance of early adolescents. We also analyzed the mediating role of self-reported empathy and social behavior rated by peers (i.e., prosocial behavior and social preference) and by the lead teacher (i.e., social competence). A sample of 244 adolescents aged between 12 and 13 years participated in the study. The resulting structural equation model indicated that EFs and EC predict academic performance in a complementary and independent way. Results also confirmed the mediating role of empathy and social behavior. The final model explained 64% of academic performance. We discuss the appropriateness of obtaining complementary measures of EFs and EC in predictions of academic performance as well as the importance of introducing activities involving self-regulation, empathy, and socioemotional skills in the school setting.

scholarly journals Problematic Internet Use in Children and Adolescents: Associations with psychiatric disorders and impairment

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Restrepo ◽  
Tohar Scheininger ◽  
Jon Clucas ◽  
Lindsay Alexander ◽  
Giovanni Salum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Brain Network ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Problematic Internet Use

Abstract Background Problematic internet use (PIU) is an increasingly worrisome issue, as youth population studies are establishing links with internalizing and externalizing problems. There is a need for a better understanding of psychiatric diagnostic profiles associated with this issue, as well as its unique contributions to impairment. Here, we leveraged the ongoing, large-scale Child Mind Institute Healthy Brain Network, a transdiagnostic self-referred, community sample of children and adolescents (ages 5-21), to examine the associations between PIU and psychopathology, general impairment, physical health and sleep disturbances.Methods A total sample of 564 (190 female) participants between the ages of 7-15 (mean = 10.80, SD = 2.16), along with their parents/guardians, completed diagnostic interviews with clinicians, answered a myriad of self-report questionnaires, and underwent physical testing as part of the Healthy Brain Network protocol.Results PIU was positively associated with depressive disorders (aOR = 2.34; CI: 1.18-4.56; p = .01), the combined subtype of ADHD (aOR = 1.79; CI: 1.08-2.98; p = .02), greater levels of impairment (Standardized Beta = 4.79; CI: 3.21-6.37; p < .01) and increased sleep disturbances (Standardized Beta = 3.01; CI: 0.58-5.45; p = .02), even when accounting for demographic covariates and psychiatric comorbidity.Conclusions The association between PIU and psychopathology, as well as its impact on impairment and sleep disturbances, highlight the urgent need to gain an understanding of mechanisms in order to inform public health recommendations on internet use in U.S. youth.

An Empirical Study of Problematic Internet Use and Self-Esteem

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Widyanto ◽  
Mark Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Internet Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Problematic Internet Use ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Online Activity ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Robust Evidence

Previous research has alluded to the existence of a relationship between self-esteem and problematic Internet use. The main aim of the study was to examine the relationship between problematic Internet use and a number of distinct demographic, behavioural, and psychosocial variables. Using an online survey, a self-selected sample comprising 1,467 Internet users participated in the study. The survey comprised 50 questions including validated scales for both self-esteem (Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale) and problematic Internet use (Internet Related Problem Scale; IPRS) in addition to demographic information. Based on previous literature, it was hypothesized that problematic Internet users were more likely than non-problematic Internet users to post low self-esteem scores. Results showed that self-esteem was strongly and negatively associated with IRPS. Also, for those with high IRPS scores, participation in online forums was the primary online activity followed by online gaming and chatting. Although the study comprised a self-selecting sample and utilized self-report, the results appear to provide robust evidence of an association between self-esteem and problematic Internet use mirroring prior research in the area.

Problematic internet use in Chinese rural adolescents and its association with adverse life experiences and resilience: A nationwide cross-sectional study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Kang ◽  
Hongjuan Chang ◽  
Shanshan Yuan ◽  
Jingjing Xiang ◽  
Yizhen Yu
Keyword(s):  
Gender Difference ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Child Neglect ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Stressful Life Events ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Stressful Life ◽  
Problematic Internet Use ◽  
Rural Adolescents

BACKGROUND Problematic internet use (PIU) is a growing public health and social issue among adolescents, however, its prevalence in rural adolescents remains to be investigated. Adverse life experiences (ALEs) and resilience have been reported to be important influence factors of PIU, but little is known about the interaction effects of ALEs and resilience on PIU, or gender differences in these effects. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to provide the first prevalence report of PIU in Chinese rural adolescents based on a nationwide sample, and to examine the association among ALEs, resilience and PIU, as well as the gender difference within these relationships. METHODS A school-based survey was conducted in rural areas from five provinces in China in 2014-2015. A total of 15950 students aged 11-22 years finished a complete self-report questionnaire, including demographic characteristics, measurements of PIU, stressful life events, child neglect and maltreatment, and resilience. ALEs were defined as having experienced stressful life events and/or child neglect and maltreatment. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used. RESULTS There were 2734 adolescents assessed with PIU in our sample, with a prevalence rate of 17.1%. Multiple adjusted odds ratios for PIU was significantly increased with higher ALEs scores (5-6: OR=1.28, 95% CI=1.11-1.48; 7-8: OR=1.66, 95% CI=1.43-1.92) and significantly decreased with higher resilience level (Mild: OR=0.83, 95% CI=0.74-0.93; Moderate: OR=0.68, 95% CI=0.60-0.77; High: OR=0.59; 95% CI=0.52-0.67). Moderate resilience had significantly protective effect on PIU in adolescents with high ALEs scores (OR=0.63, 95% CI=0.41-0.97). A significant interaction effect was found between ALEs and resilience on PIU only in girls (P=0.021) but not in boys (P=0.081), however, this gender difference showed no significance (P=0.305). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests a relative high prevalence of PIU among Chinese rural adolescents. More ALEs and lower resilience are associated with higher risk for PIU, and resilience can moderate the association between ALEs and PIU. Strategies combining ALEs prevention and resilience promotion both in girls and boys would yield better to decrease PIU problems in adolescents.

scholarly journals Temperament, environment, and antisocial behavior in a population sample of preadolescent boys and girls

2006 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 422-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
René Veenstra ◽  
Siegwart Lindenberg ◽  
Albertine J. Oldehinkel ◽  
Andrea F. De Winter ◽  
Johan Ormel
Keyword(s):  
Antisocial Behavior ◽  
Effortful Control ◽  
Child Behavior Checklist ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Parent Report ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Perceived Parenting ◽  
High Level

Antisocial behavior can be triggered by negative social experiences and individuals' processing of these experiences. This study focuses on risk-buffering interactions between temperament, perceived parenting, socio-economic status (SES), and sex in relation to antisocial behavior in a Dutch population sample of preadolescents ( N = 2230). Perceived parenting (overprotection, rejection, emotional warmth) was assessed by the EMBU (a Swedish acronym for My Memories of Upbringing) for children, temperament (effortful control and frustration) by the parent version of the Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire-Revised, SES by information on parental education, occupation, and income, and antisocial behavior by the Child Behavior Checklist (parent report) and the Youth Self-Report (child report). All parenting and temperament factors were significantly associated with antisocial behavior.The strongest risk-buffering interactions were found for SES which was only related to antisocial behavior among children with a low level of effortful control or a high level of frustration. Furthermore, the associations of SES with antisocial behavior were more negative for boys than for girls. Thus, the effects of SES depend on both the temperament and sex of the child.

Children's temperament in the US and China: similarities and differences

1993 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 359-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan A. Ahadi ◽  
Mary K. Rothbart ◽  
Renmin Ye
Keyword(s):  
Negative Affect ◽  
Effortful Control ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Parent Report ◽  
Oblique Rotation ◽  
Chinese Sample ◽  
The North ◽  
The Us ◽  
Principal Axis Factor Analysis ◽  
The Two Cultures

We report the results of research investigating temperamental characteristics of children in the People's Republic of China and the US using a parent‐report instrument, the Children's Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ), defining temperament as individual differences in emotional, motoric, and attentional reactivity and self‐regulation. Subjects were 624 6‐ to 7‐year‐old children, from Shanghai and the north‐western region of the US. The 15 CBQ scales were factored for both samples, employing a principal axis factor analysis with an oblique rotation. Our findings indicated considerable similarity of factor structure in the two cultures, obtaining three factors labelled Surgency, Negative Affect, and Attentional Self‐Regulation or Effortful Control. Differences across cultures were also found, with Surgency and Effortful Control scores being relatively higher than Negative Affect in the US sample and Negative Affect being relatively higher than Surgency and Effortful Control in the Chinese sample. Gender differences were also found to vary across cultures. Our findings are congruent with a view of underlying cultural similarities in temperamental variability across these cultures, influenced over time by the children's culturally varied experience.

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