Attachment and problematic Facebook use in adolescents: The mediating role of metacognitions

Abstract

Background and aims: Recent research used attachment theory and the metacognitive tenet as frameworks to explain problematic Facebook use (PFU). This study aims to test, in a single model, the role of different attachment styles and metacognitions in PFU among adolescents. Methods: Two separate studies were conducted in order to establish the link between security (Study 1) and insecurity (Study 2), metacognitions, and PFU. A total of 369 and 442 Italian adolescents (age: 14-20 years old) participated in Study 1 and Study 2, respectively. Results: Path analyses revealed the relative importance of different attachment dimensions with mother and father in predicting PFU and the mediating role of metacognitions between attachment styles and PFU. Discussion and conclusion: In conclusion, since attachment styles and PFU may significantly affect adolescents' development and well-being, the results of this study may provide some practical indications for researchers and practitioners.

Adult Attachment Orientations and Social Networking Site Addiction: The Mediating Effects of Online Social Support and the Fear of Missing Out

“…As a new type of behavioral addiction, SNS addiction has received much scholarly attention globally in recent years, and there are numerous studies exploring the risk factors linked to SNS addiction (Marino et al, 2018a,b). Prior studies found that attachment, especially insecure attachment, is closely related to SNS general use and addiction (Blackwell et al, 2017;Monacis et al, 2017;Flynn et al, 2018;Worsley et al, 2018a,b;Chen, 2019;D' Arienzo et al, 2019;Marino et al, 2019). Our results are consistent with prior findings.…”

“…Although SNSs have considerable benefits, excessive use of SNS has been found to have detrimental effects on human behavior (Marino et al, 2018a). Therefore, many scholars have explored factors associated with SNS addiction, among which attachment has received much attention (Blackwell et al, 2017;Monacis et al, 2017;Flynn et al, 2018;Worsley et al, 2018a;Chen, 2019;D' Arienzo et al, 2019;Marino et al, 2019). However, the underlying mechanisms between attachment and SNS addiction remain unclear.…”

Attachment style and addictions (alcohol, cigarette, waterpipe and internet) among Lebanese adolescents: a national study

“…Consequently, they prefer indirect relationships, using social media, to face-to-face relationships (e.g. Facebook); this will increase the time spent on social media, resulting in an increased risk of internet addiction [23,24]. On another hand, people with a secure attachment style have high self-esteem and do not have any difficulty sharing their feelings with others, making them able to manage time spent on social media without becoming addict [7].…”

“…In contrast, the anxious type was associated with higher social networking addiction because people of this type make huge efforts to be accepted by others. They also fear face-to-face interactions and have, through social networking, the advantage of choosing the time for interacting with other people and the way they present themselves to others [23,24]. The avoidant type is also correlated with higher social networking addiction since these people satisfy their social needs through online platforms while keeping a safe distance [23].…”

The Relationship between Problematic Facebook Use and Early Maladaptive Schemas

“…Previous research [7,[12][13][14] has shown that PFU is associated with negative mental health consequences (e.g., depression, anxiety, insomnia, and stress), and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Additionally, previous findings have indicated that negative parent and peer attachment were associated with PFU [15][16][17]. Negative attachment has been associated with poor mental health and interpersonal relationship problems, difficulties in self-representations, and maladaptive emotion regulation [18,19].…”