Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-10-24DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108528
A. Sanz-Pérez , D.R. Serrano , A.I. Fraguas-Sánchez , M.C. Pardo , J.M.Ruiz Sánchez de León , F.J. Estupiñá , T. Pérez , E. González-Burgos
Cannabis is the most widely consumed illicit drug globally. In 2021, 46 % of countries identified cannabis as the predominant substance associated with drug abuse disorders, with 34 % indicating it as the primary cause for seeking treatment. Young individuals represent the largest consumer demographic, experiencing substantial negative health effects. Despite extensive research on its mental health impacts, many aspects remain unclear. This study examines cannabis use among young people including anxiety, depression, and suicidal behavior. Studies involving individuals aged 15–30 were included. Data sources included PubMed, Mendeley, Embase, WOS, CINAHL, and Scopus. After screening 6466 articles, 36 met the inclusion criteria, with 18 included in the meta-analysis. These studies were published between 2013 and 2025. The results indicated that the odds of depression were 51 % higher in young cannabis users (OR = 1.51, 95 %CI = 1.23–1.86), decreasing to 28 % after adjustment (aOR = 1.28, 95 %CI = 1.10–1.50). Anxiety showed a 58 % increase (OR = 1.58, 95 %CI = 1.15–2.15). For suicidal ideation, the increase ranged from 50 % in unadjusted models (OR = 1.50, 95 %CI = 1.05–2.14) to 65 % in adjusted models (aOR = 1.65 95 %CI = 1.40–1.93). Finally, the odds of suicide attempt were 87 % higher (OR = 1.87, 95 %CI = 1.25–2.80), remaining elevated at 80 % after adjustment (aOR = 1.80, 95 %CI = 1.30–2.49).
大麻是全球消费最广泛的非法药物。2021年，46%的国家将大麻确定为与药物滥用疾病相关的主要物质，34%的国家表示大麻是寻求治疗的主要原因。年轻人是最大的消费者群体，他们的健康受到严重的负面影响。尽管对其心理健康影响进行了广泛的研究，但许多方面仍不清楚。这项研究调查了年轻人使用大麻的情况，包括焦虑、抑郁和自杀行为。研究对象为15-30岁的个体。数据来源包括PubMed、Mendeley、Embase、WOS、CINAHL和Scopus。筛选6466篇文章后，36篇符合纳入标准，其中18篇纳入meta分析。这些研究发表于2013年至2025年之间。结果显示，青少年大麻使用者患抑郁症的几率高出51% (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.23-1.86)，调整后降至28% （aOR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.10-1.50）。焦虑增加58% （OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.15-2.15）。对于自杀意念，未调整模型的增加幅度从50% （OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.05-2.14）到调整模型的65% （aOR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.40-1.93）。最后，自杀企图的几率高出87% (OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.25-2.80)，调整后仍高于80% （aOR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.30-2.49）。
{"title":"Growing Concerns: A systematic review and Meta-Analysis of cannabis use and mental health risks in youth","authors":"A. Sanz-Pérez , D.R. Serrano , A.I. Fraguas-Sánchez , M.C. Pardo , J.M.Ruiz Sánchez de León , F.J. Estupiñá , T. Pérez , E. González-Burgos","doi":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108528","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108528","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cannabis is the most widely consumed illicit drug globally. In 2021, 46 % of countries identified cannabis as the predominant substance associated with drug abuse disorders, with 34 % indicating it as the primary cause for seeking treatment. Young individuals represent the largest consumer demographic, experiencing substantial negative health effects. Despite extensive research on its mental health impacts, many aspects remain unclear. This study examines cannabis use among young people including anxiety, depression, and suicidal behavior. Studies involving individuals aged 15–30 were included. Data sources included PubMed, Mendeley, Embase, WOS, CINAHL, and Scopus. After screening 6466 articles, 36 met the inclusion criteria, with 18 included in the <em>meta</em>-analysis. These studies were published between 2013 and 2025. The results indicated that the odds of depression were 51 % higher in young cannabis users (OR = 1.51, 95 %CI = 1.23–1.86), decreasing to 28 % after adjustment (aOR = 1.28, 95 %CI = 1.10–1.50). Anxiety showed a 58 % increase (OR = 1.58, 95 %CI = 1.15–2.15). For suicidal ideation, the increase ranged from 50 % in unadjusted models (OR = 1.50, 95 %CI = 1.05–2.14) to 65 % in adjusted models (aOR = 1.65 95 %CI = 1.40–1.93). Finally, the odds of suicide attempt were 87 % higher (OR = 1.87, 95 %CI = 1.25–2.80), remaining elevated at 80 % after adjustment (aOR = 1.80, 95 %CI = 1.30–2.49).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7155,"journal":{"name":"Addictive behaviors","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 108528"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145380154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-10-09DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108516
Shan Wang , Xiaoru Zhu , Xiaomin Wang , Lingfeng Gao , Haide Chen
Craving is widely recognized as a central feature of addiction. Although internet gaming disorder is notably prevalent among adolescents, the mechanisms that lead to the development of craving for online gaming are not well understood. This study investigated the mediating role of desire thinking and thought suppression in the link between adolescents’ positive and negative metacognitions about online gaming and their craving for it. The study evaluated 991 Chinese adolescents utilizing the Metacognitions about Online Gaming Scale, Desire Thinking Questionnaire, Thought Suppression Inventory, and Craving Assessment Scale. Results showed that desire thinking and thought suppression partially mediated the link between both positive and negative metacognitions and craving, with desire thinking exhibiting a stronger indirect effect than thought suppression. The study indicates that both positive and negative metacognitions are associated with adolescent online gaming craving via similar cognitive pathways, with desire thinking being a significant factor. This study highlights the potential of targeting metacognitive processes in future interventions for internet gaming disorder, emphasizing the need for intervention strategies tailored to address desire thinking.
{"title":"The desire trap: Metacognitions and the cognitive mechanisms of adolescent online gaming craving","authors":"Shan Wang , Xiaoru Zhu , Xiaomin Wang , Lingfeng Gao , Haide Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108516","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108516","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Craving is widely recognized as a central feature of addiction. Although internet gaming disorder is notably prevalent among adolescents, the mechanisms that lead to the development of craving for online gaming are not well understood. This study investigated the mediating role of desire thinking and thought suppression in the link between adolescents’ positive and negative metacognitions about online gaming and their craving for it. The study evaluated 991 Chinese adolescents utilizing the Metacognitions about Online Gaming Scale, Desire Thinking Questionnaire, Thought Suppression Inventory, and Craving Assessment Scale. Results showed that desire thinking and thought suppression partially mediated the link between both positive and negative metacognitions and craving, with desire thinking exhibiting a stronger indirect effect than thought suppression. The study indicates that both positive and negative metacognitions are associated with adolescent online gaming craving via similar cognitive pathways, with desire thinking being a significant factor. This study highlights the potential of targeting metacognitive processes in future interventions for internet gaming disorder, emphasizing the need for intervention strategies tailored to address desire thinking.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7155,"journal":{"name":"Addictive behaviors","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 108516"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145294509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-10-10DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108507
Dale S. Mantey , Ashlynn M. Ruleman , Dilara K. Üsküp , Dylanne Twitty , LaTrice Montgomery
Objective
We quantify and compare population-level trends in blunt smoking across demographics as well as behavioral and regulatory factors among adults in the US from 2015 to 2022.
Methods
We analyzed eight (8) years of data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Participants were n = 326,087 adults; a subsample of n = 22,294 current blunt smokers was used to examine daily blunt smoking. We modeled linear trends in lifetime (ever), current (past 30-day), and daily (30/30 days) blunt smoking by: sex, race/ethnicity, age category, income, Major Depressive Episodes, alcohol use, and state-level cannabis regulatory policy.
Results
From 2015 to 2022, lifetime blunt smoking increased ∼21.7 % (p < 0.001), current blunt smoking increased ∼34.4 % (p < 0.001), and daily blunt smoking among current users increased ∼24.5 % (p < 0.001). Lifetime blunt smoking increased significantly more among non-Hispanic White (23.7 %) and Hispanic (30.2 %) relative to non-Hispanic Black (8.6 %) adults; similar increases were observed among those older than 18–25 years. Current blunt smoking increased significantly greater among females (63.6 %) relative to males (19.0 %) and among those who did not use alcohol (92.3 %) relative to those who did use alcohol (23.4 %). Daily blunt smoking increased significantly greater among non-Hispanic White (80.4 %) relative to non-Hispanic Black (3.7 %) adults.
Conclusion
Blunt smoking increased substantially from 2015 to 2022. The greatest increases in blunt smoking were observed among females, older adults, and those who did not use alcohol; groups with historically lower rates of blunt smoking. Future study is needed to understand patterns of blunt initiation, escalation, and use disorder.
{"title":"Trends in blunt smoking among adults in the United States, 2015–2022","authors":"Dale S. Mantey , Ashlynn M. Ruleman , Dilara K. Üsküp , Dylanne Twitty , LaTrice Montgomery","doi":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108507","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108507","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>We quantify and compare population-level trends in blunt smoking across demographics as well as behavioral and regulatory factors among adults in the US from 2015 to 2022.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We analyzed eight (8) years of data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Participants were n = 326,087 adults; a subsample of n = 22,294 current blunt smokers was used to examine daily blunt smoking. We modeled linear trends in lifetime (ever), current (past 30-day), and daily (30/30 days) blunt smoking by: sex, race/ethnicity, age category, income, Major Depressive Episodes, alcohol use, and state-level cannabis regulatory policy.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>From 2015 to 2022, lifetime blunt smoking increased ∼21.7 % (p < 0.001), current blunt smoking increased ∼34.4 % (p < 0.001), and daily blunt smoking among current users increased ∼24.5 % (p < 0.001). Lifetime blunt smoking increased significantly more among non-Hispanic White (23.7 %) and Hispanic (30.2 %) relative to non-Hispanic Black (8.6 %) adults; similar increases were observed among those older than 18–25 years. Current blunt smoking increased significantly greater among females (63.6 %) relative to males (19.0 %) and among those who did not use alcohol (92.3 %) relative to those who did use alcohol (23.4 %). Daily blunt smoking increased significantly greater among non-Hispanic White (80.4 %) relative to non-Hispanic Black (3.7 %) adults.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Blunt smoking increased substantially from 2015 to 2022. The greatest increases in blunt smoking were observed among females, older adults, and those who did not use alcohol; groups with historically lower rates of blunt smoking. Future study is needed to understand patterns of blunt initiation, escalation, and use disorder.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7155,"journal":{"name":"Addictive behaviors","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 108507"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145263037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-09-18DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108496
V. Månsson , A. Hammarberg , M. Hårdstedt , R. LoMartire
Identifying hazardous alcohol use among patients with psychiatric disorders is important for improving treatment outcomes. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of hazardous alcohol use across 20 psychiatric diagnoses using phosphatidylethanol (PEth) blood sampling.
We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of PEth samples collected between 2017 and 2023 from a regional Swedish healthcare database, linked to clinician-assessed psychiatric diagnoses. Participants were adults (≥18 years) with a psychiatric disorder (N = 18,240). Hazardous alcohol use was defined as a PEth concentration > 0.30 µmol/L (∼210 µg/L). Marginal risk ratios (RR) were estimated using logistic regression adjusted for sex, age, comorbidity, season, and healthcare setting.
In the sample (mean age: 40 years; 58.7 % female), 7.4 % screened positive for hazardous use. The highest prevalence was observed in patients with substance use disorder (12 %, RR: 1.87, 95 % CI: 1.57–2.23) and panic disorder (8.8 %, RR: 1.43, 95 % CI: 1.19–1.70). Lower prevalence was seen in patients with exhaustion syndrome (5.4 %), ADHD (5.0 %), and obsessive–compulsive disorder (4.2 %). Panic disorder remained significantly associated with hazardous use after adjustment. Male sex (RR: 1.79, 95 % CI: 1.58–2.02) and age, with the highest risk observed around 60 years, were both strongly associated with increased risk.
Hazardous alcohol use is prevalent among patients with psychiatric disorders when assessed with PEth. Targeted screening, especially among older men and patients with panic disorder, may improve identification and intervention.
{"title":"Hazardous alcohol use among patients with psychiatric disorders: Findings from phosphatidylethanol (PEth) screening in healthcare","authors":"V. Månsson , A. Hammarberg , M. Hårdstedt , R. LoMartire","doi":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108496","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108496","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Identifying hazardous alcohol use among patients with psychiatric disorders is important for improving treatment outcomes. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of hazardous alcohol use across 20 psychiatric diagnoses using phosphatidylethanol (PEth) blood sampling.</div><div>We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of PEth samples collected between 2017 and 2023 from a regional Swedish healthcare database, linked to clinician-assessed psychiatric diagnoses. Participants were adults (≥18 years) with a psychiatric disorder (N = 18,240). Hazardous alcohol use was defined as a PEth concentration > 0.30 µmol/L (∼210 µg/L). Marginal risk ratios (RR) were estimated using logistic regression adjusted for sex, age, comorbidity, season, and healthcare setting.</div><div>In the sample (mean age: 40 years; 58.7 % female), 7.4 % screened positive for hazardous use. The highest prevalence was observed in patients with substance use disorder (12 %, RR: 1.87, 95 % CI: 1.57–2.23) and panic disorder (8.8 %, RR: 1.43, 95 % CI: 1.19–1.70). Lower prevalence was seen in patients with exhaustion syndrome (5.4 %), ADHD (5.0 %), and obsessive–compulsive disorder (4.2 %). Panic disorder remained significantly associated with hazardous use after adjustment. Male sex (RR: 1.79, 95 % CI: 1.58–2.02) and age, with the highest risk observed around 60 years, were both strongly associated with increased risk.</div><div>Hazardous alcohol use is prevalent among patients with psychiatric disorders when assessed with PEth. Targeted screening, especially among older men and patients with panic disorder, may improve identification and intervention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7155,"journal":{"name":"Addictive behaviors","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 108496"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145097478","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-10-20DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108522
Xingcan Ye , Ted C.T. Fong , Paul S.F. Yip
Background
Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is prevalent and comorbid with psychiatric problems such as depression and hikikomori among young generation. However, existing studies have not examined the longitudinal pathways to IGD development over time.
Aims
This study aimed to extend the pathways model of IGD to the longitudinal setting and evaluate the patterns, persistence, and changes of IGD subtypes with varying comorbid problems and associated predictors.
Methods
The study included a sample of 601 young gamers (mean age = 23.8) in Hong Kong who completed surveys at two timepoints. Latent transition analysis was conducted based on scores of IGD, depression, hikikomori, and disruptor traits. Multinomial logistic regression models investigated the predictors.
Results
Four latent classes were identified: the healthy class, the socially low IGD class, the disruptive IGD subtype, and the socially depressed IGD subtype. They showed distinct transition patterns and the disruptive IGD subtype was less stable and more likely to recover than the socially depressed IGD type. Low real-world social support, escapism, and playing strategy and MOBA games were associated with the stability of disruptive and socially depressed IGD subtypes. Playing more MMORPGs was associated with transition from the socially low IGD group to other two vulnerable IGD subtypes.
Conclusions
Our findings supported the high comorbidity of IGD with other psychiatric problems rather than appearing alone. The persistence and heterogeneous profiles of two IGD subtypes inform personalized treatments to address the comorbid problems and highlight the importance of establishing real-world social support.
{"title":"Patterns, persistence, and changes of subtypes of internet gaming disorder among young gamers","authors":"Xingcan Ye , Ted C.T. Fong , Paul S.F. Yip","doi":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108522","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108522","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is prevalent and comorbid with psychiatric problems such as depression and hikikomori among young generation. However, existing studies have not examined the longitudinal pathways to IGD development over time.</div></div><div><h3>Aims</h3><div>This study aimed to extend the pathways model of IGD to the longitudinal setting and evaluate the patterns, persistence, and changes of IGD subtypes with varying comorbid problems and associated predictors.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study included a sample of 601 young gamers (mean age = 23.8) in Hong Kong who completed surveys at two timepoints. Latent transition analysis was conducted based on scores of IGD, depression, hikikomori, and disruptor traits. Multinomial logistic regression models investigated the predictors.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Four latent classes were identified: the healthy class, the socially low IGD class, the disruptive IGD subtype, and the socially depressed IGD subtype. They showed distinct transition patterns and the disruptive IGD subtype was less stable and more likely to recover than the socially depressed IGD type. Low real-world social support, escapism, and playing strategy and MOBA games were associated with the stability of disruptive and socially depressed IGD subtypes. Playing more MMORPGs was associated with transition from the socially low IGD group to other two vulnerable IGD subtypes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our findings supported the high comorbidity of IGD with other psychiatric problems rather than appearing alone. The persistence and heterogeneous profiles of two IGD subtypes inform personalized treatments to address the comorbid problems and highlight the importance of establishing real-world social support.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7155,"journal":{"name":"Addictive behaviors","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 108522"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145358664","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-09-29DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108509
Gizem Gerdan , Özge Akgül , Yılmaz Orhun Gürlük
The increasing use of smartphones has raised concerns about adverse psychological and social-cognitive outcomes among young people. This study aimed to prospectively examine the relationships between problematic smartphone use (PSU), experiential avoidance (EA), screen time, autistic traits (ATs), and theory of mind (ToM), and to test the mediating role of EA within a temporal design. Data were collected prospectively from 219 young adults (aged 18–35; M = 20.66, SD = 2.15) across three measurement points at one-week intervals. At Time 1 (T1), participants reported their weekly screen time and completed baseline measures of PSU, ATs, and ToM. At Time 2 (T2), the measure of EA was administered. At Time 3 (T3), final measures of ATs and ToM were administered. The results indicated that higher levels of PSU at T1 prospectively predicted an increase in EA at T2, which in turn prospectively predicted higher levels of ATs and lower levels of ToM at T3. Similarly, greater screen time at T1 also prospectively predicted an increase in EA at T2, leading to higher levels of ATs and lower levels of ToM at T3. The results indicate that experiential avoidance prospectively plays a mediating role in the relationship between PSU, screen time, ToM, and ATs. In the context of today’s increasing digital addiction tendencies, these findings suggest that EA is a potentially important transdiagnostic variable to consider in assessments and interventions aimed at supporting socio-cognitive and emotional functioning.
{"title":"Experiential avoidance as a prospective mediator of the relationship between problematic smartphone use and autistic traits, theory of mind: Temporal mediation models","authors":"Gizem Gerdan , Özge Akgül , Yılmaz Orhun Gürlük","doi":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108509","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108509","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The increasing use of smartphones has raised concerns about adverse psychological and social-cognitive outcomes among young people. This study aimed to prospectively examine the relationships between problematic smartphone use (PSU), experiential avoidance (EA), screen time, autistic traits (ATs), and theory of mind (ToM), and to test the mediating role of EA within a temporal design. Data were collected prospectively from 219 young adults (aged 18–35; <em>M</em> = 20.66, <em>SD</em> = 2.15) across three measurement points at one-week intervals. At Time 1 (T1), participants reported their weekly screen time and completed baseline measures of PSU, ATs, and ToM. At Time 2 (T2), the measure of EA was administered. At Time 3 (T3), final measures of ATs and ToM were administered. The results indicated that higher levels of PSU at T1 prospectively predicted an increase in EA at T2, which in turn prospectively predicted higher levels of ATs and lower levels of ToM at T3. Similarly, greater screen time at T1 also prospectively predicted an increase in EA at T2, leading to higher levels of ATs and lower levels of ToM at T3. The results indicate that experiential avoidance prospectively plays a mediating role in the relationship between PSU, screen time, ToM, and ATs. In the context of today’s increasing digital addiction tendencies, these findings suggest that EA is a potentially important transdiagnostic variable to consider in assessments and interventions aimed at supporting socio-cognitive and emotional functioning.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7155,"journal":{"name":"Addictive behaviors","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 108509"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145358666","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-09-05DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108479
Meng Xuan ZHANG , Yu Qing WU , Anise M.S. WU
Emerging adulthood, a transition period in life, is highly intertwined with uncertainty and is thus potentially associated with increased vulnerability to maladaptive coping and problematic behaviors, including problematic smartphone use (PSU). The current study was designed to test not only the associations of intolerance of uncertainty (IU) with PSU tendencies but also the underlying (meta)cognitive and affective mechanisms. A sample of 566 participants who were 18–25 years old (Mage = 20.92, SDage = 1.72; 65.3 % female) was collected. All participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire. The current results indicated a statistically significant positive association between IU and PSU tendencies. Path model further highlighted sequential mediating roles played by two components of metacognitive beliefs (i.e., negative beliefs about worry and cognitive confidence) and anxiety symptoms, underlying the IU-PSU link. Future interventions for PSU tendencies in emerging adults should consider metacognitive therapy, specifically targeting the two identified metacognitive risk factors, especially for those with IU and affective problems.
{"title":"Metacognitive-affective pathways linking intolerance of uncertainty with problematic smartphone use in emerging adults","authors":"Meng Xuan ZHANG , Yu Qing WU , Anise M.S. WU","doi":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108479","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108479","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Emerging adulthood, a transition period in life, is highly intertwined with uncertainty and is thus potentially associated with increased vulnerability to maladaptive coping and problematic behaviors, including problematic smartphone use (PSU). The current study was designed to test not only the associations of intolerance of uncertainty (IU) with PSU tendencies but also the underlying (meta)cognitive and affective mechanisms. A sample of 566 participants who were 18–25 years old (<em>M<sub>age</sub></em> = 20.92, <em>SD<sub>age</sub></em> = 1.72; 65.3 % female) was collected. All participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire. The current results indicated a statistically significant positive association between IU and PSU tendencies. Path model further highlighted sequential mediating roles played by two components of metacognitive beliefs (i.e., negative beliefs about worry and cognitive confidence) and anxiety symptoms, underlying the IU-PSU link. Future interventions for PSU tendencies in emerging adults should consider metacognitive therapy, specifically targeting the two identified metacognitive risk factors, especially for those with IU and affective problems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7155,"journal":{"name":"Addictive behaviors","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 108479"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145020621","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-09-17DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108499
Pu Peng , Zhangming Chen , Silan Ren , Ying He , Jinguang Li , Aijun Liao , Linlin Zhao , Xu Shao , Shanshan Chen , Ruini He , Yudiao Liang , Youguo Tan , Jinsong Tang , Xiaogang Chen , Yanhui Liao
Background
While sex differences in depressive symptoms and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) are well-documented, the existence of sex differences in their interrelations remains unclear.
Methods
This longitudinal study of 57,985 Chinese gamers (mean age: 14.12 ± 1.45 years, girls: 45.4 %) assessed sex differences in the association between IGD and depressive symptoms. We analyzed this relationship at two levels: (1) an aggregate level, using total scores from the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF) and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) via cross-lagged panel models (CLPM), and (2) a symptom level, examining individual symptoms as nodes in cross-lagged panel network analyses (CLPN). We compared cross-lagged effect strengths and identified key central symptoms (highly influential individual symptoms) and bridge symptoms (symptoms linking IGD and depression) within the IGD-depression network for boys and girls.
Results
Girls showed higher prevalence, incidence, and persistence of depression; boys had higher rates for IGD. A bidirectional association emerged between IGD and depression for both sexes. However, the strength of these reciprocal predictions (IGD ↔ depression) was significantly greater in boys. Additionally, bridge symptoms differed by sex: in boys, the bridge symptoms included Worthlessness, Psychomotor Problems, Suicidal Thoughts, and Escapism. In girls, the bridge symptoms were Suicidal Thoughts, Escapism, Concentration Difficulties, and Anhedonia.
Discussion
Significant sex differences were observed in both the epidemiology and the associations between IGD and depressive symptoms at aggregate and symptom levels. These findings underscore the necessity for sex-specific interventions to effectively address the intertwined nature of IGD and depression among adolescents.
{"title":"Sex difference in the longitudinal association between depressive symptoms and internet gaming disorder among Chinese adolescents: An explanatory analysis at the aggregate and symptom level","authors":"Pu Peng , Zhangming Chen , Silan Ren , Ying He , Jinguang Li , Aijun Liao , Linlin Zhao , Xu Shao , Shanshan Chen , Ruini He , Yudiao Liang , Youguo Tan , Jinsong Tang , Xiaogang Chen , Yanhui Liao","doi":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108499","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108499","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>While sex differences in depressive symptoms and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) are well-documented, the existence of sex differences in their interrelations remains unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This longitudinal study of 57,985 Chinese gamers (mean age: 14.12 ± 1.45 years, girls: 45.4 %) assessed sex differences in the association between IGD and depressive symptoms. We analyzed this relationship at two levels: (1) an aggregate level, using total scores from the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF) and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) via cross-lagged panel models (CLPM), and (2) a symptom level, examining individual symptoms as nodes in cross-lagged panel network analyses (CLPN). We compared cross-lagged effect strengths and identified key central symptoms (highly influential individual symptoms) and bridge symptoms (symptoms linking IGD and depression) within the IGD-depression network for boys and girls.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Girls showed higher prevalence, incidence, and persistence of depression; boys had higher rates for IGD. A bidirectional association emerged between IGD and depression for both sexes. However, the strength of these reciprocal predictions (IGD ↔ depression) was significantly greater in boys. Additionally, bridge symptoms differed by sex: in boys, the bridge symptoms included Worthlessness, Psychomotor Problems, Suicidal Thoughts, and Escapism. In girls, the bridge symptoms were Suicidal Thoughts, Escapism, Concentration Difficulties, and Anhedonia.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Significant sex differences were observed in both the epidemiology and the associations between IGD and depressive symptoms at aggregate and symptom levels. These findings underscore the necessity for sex-specific interventions to effectively address the intertwined nature of IGD and depression among adolescents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7155,"journal":{"name":"Addictive behaviors","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 108499"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145097413","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-09-09DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108478
Chaochao Wang, Pengwang Zhao, Min Liu
Objective
This study examined the relationships among physical activity, negative emotions, self-control, and problematic mobile phone use, focusing on mediating mechanisms and the moderating role of specific negative emotions (depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness).
Methods
Meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) was applied to pooled data from 23 studies (N = 65,507) to estimate direct and indirect effects.
Results
Results revealed significant correlations, with the strongest between negative emotions and problematic mobile phone use (r = 0.484) and the weakest between physical activity and problematic mobile phone use (r = −0.285). Depressive symptoms showed the strongest association with problematic use (r = 0.656), followed by stress (r = 0.599) and anxiety (r = 0.491). MASEM indicated a total effect of physical activity on problematic mobile phone use (β = −0.395, p < 0.001), with a minor direct effect (β = −0.069) and two dominant indirect pathways: (1) physical activity → self-control → problematic mobile phone use (β = −0.157) and (2) physical activity → negative emotions → problematic mobile phone use (β = −0.169).
Conclusion
Findings demonstrate that physical activity reduces problematic use primarily by mitigating negative emotions (especially depression and stress) and improving self-control. Notably, these variable associations exhibit greater strength within the university student population. Interventions should integrate emotion regulation and self-control strategies to effectively address smartphone dependency and promote healthier behaviors.
{"title":"Do self-control and negative emotions mediate the effects of physical activity on problematic mobile phone use? Insights from a meta-analytic structural equation modeling study","authors":"Chaochao Wang, Pengwang Zhao, Min Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108478","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108478","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study examined the relationships among physical activity, negative emotions, self-control, and problematic mobile phone use, focusing on mediating mechanisms and the moderating role of specific negative emotions (depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) was applied to pooled data from 23 studies (N = 65,507) to estimate direct and indirect effects.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Results revealed significant correlations, with the strongest between negative emotions and problematic mobile phone use (r = 0.484) and the weakest between physical activity and problematic mobile phone use (r = −0.285). Depressive symptoms showed the strongest association with problematic use (r = 0.656), followed by stress (r = 0.599) and anxiety (r = 0.491). MASEM indicated a total effect of physical activity on problematic mobile phone use (β = −0.395, p < 0.001), with a minor direct effect (β = −0.069) and two dominant indirect pathways: (1) physical activity → self-control → problematic mobile phone use (β = −0.157) and (2) physical activity → negative emotions → problematic mobile phone use (β = −0.169).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Findings demonstrate that physical activity reduces problematic use primarily by mitigating negative emotions (especially depression and stress) and improving self-control. Notably, these variable associations exhibit greater strength within the university student population. Interventions should integrate emotion regulation and self-control strategies to effectively address smartphone dependency and promote healthier behaviors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7155,"journal":{"name":"Addictive behaviors","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 108478"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145082730","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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