A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Need for Distinctiveness Leads to Pathological Internet Use? The Perspective of Cognitive Behavioral Model
Authors: Zeng Wei, Wei Hua, Liu Meiting
Publisher: MDPI
Publishing place: Basel
Publication year: 2023
Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Journal name in source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Journal acronym: INT J ENV RES PUB HE
Article number: 1609
Volume: 20
Issue: 2
Number of pages: 13
eISSN: 1660-4601
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021609
Web address : https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021609
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/178739772
Based on the cognitive behavioral model of pathological Internet use and the gender role theory, this present study investigated the association between the need for distinctiveness and pathological Internet use. Additionally, we explored a mediating role of maladaptive cognition in the association between the need for distinctiveness and pathological Internet use and tested whether the mediation model was moderated by gender. A sample of 745 Chinese university students (Mage = 19.92, SDage = 1.42) was studied and participants completed anonymous questionnaires regarding the need for distinctiveness, maladaptive cognition, and pathological Internet use. Results revealed that the need for distinctiveness was positively associated with pathological Internet use, and the association between the need for distinctiveness and pathological Internet use was mediated by maladaptive cognition. In addition, gender moderated the association between maladaptive cognition and pathological Internet use; the effect was stronger for female participants than male participants. The findings expanded our understanding of the dark side of seeking distinctiveness. Practically, the results suggest that policymakers and psychological practitioners consider gender in preventing and intervening in pathological Internet use.
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