Author:
Wang Weijun,Ye Jianmei,Zhu Yimeng,Huang Dawei,Zhao Xin
Abstract
IntroductionWhile studies indicate that high self-control may serve as a safeguard against problematic internet use, there’s evidence suggesting that problematic internet use can, in turn, diminish self-control. This study aimed to elucidate the longitudinal interplay between internet self-control and problematic internet use in adolescents, employing cross-lagged panel modeling. Furthermore, drawing from a positive psychology perspective, we examined the potential role of ‘meaning in life’ as a protective mediator within this longitudinal relationship. We then constructed a mediation model to explore protective factors against problematic internet use.MethodsThrough a questionnaire, we tracked 659 adolescents (331 males and 328 females; mean age=13.61) in a longitudinal design across two time points, spaced at five-month intervals, to assess their internet self-control, problematic internet use, and meaning in life.ResultsResults of the cross-lagged panel models showed that: Internet self-control had a significant negative impact on problematic internet use after five months (β = −0.094, p < 0.01). Conversely, problematic internet use had a significant negative impact on internet self-control after five months (β = −0.099, p < 0.05). Results from the longitudinal mediation model showed that: Meaning in life mediated the effect of internet self-control on problematic internet use after five months (βinternet self-control(T1)-meaning in life(T2) = 0.142, p < 0.01; βmeaning in life(T1)-problematic internet use (T2) = −0.075, p < 0.05).ConclusionOur study uncovers a reciprocal predictive relationship between internet self-control and problematic internet use, while highlighting the mediating role of meaning in life within this relationship. These findings suggest that fostering internet self-control and cultivating a sense of meaning in life among adolescents can serve as effective prevention and intervention strategies for addressing the issue of problematic internet use.
Funder
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health