Theoretical Models of the Development and Maintenance of Internet Addiction

Abstract

In this contribution, theoretical considerations of the development and maintenance of specific types of Internet addiction are summarized. On the basis of previous research, several predisposing variables and vulnerability factors have been identified. These comprise psychopathological symptoms, such as depression and social anxiety, but also personality variables, such as impulsivity and self-esteem. Social cognitions, like perceived social support, stress vulnerability, and also genetic vulnerabilities are considered further potential predisposing variables. It is argued that predisposing variables act in concert with moderating and mediating variables in the development and maintenance of an Internet addiction. Dysfunctional coping style and Internet use expectancies are considered important in this context. In the course of reinforcement learning and conditioning processes, cue reactivity and craving is supposed to develop, which may interact with reduced executive functioning and inhibitory control. Future research should more explicitly investigate the interactions of certain variables, beyond addressing bivariate effects on a correlational or group-comparison level. The model suggested should be seen as a model in progress, which hopefully has the potential to inspire both future research and clinical practice.

Ansiedad social, adicción al internet y al cibersexo: su relación con la percepción de salud

“…Esto podría entre otras estar explicado por la falta de consenso sobre la operacionalización del uso de internet y la consideración de éste como adicción, acorde a lo que resaltan Kuss & López-Fernandez (2016), y Starcevic & Aboujaoude (2017) con miras a establecer criterios claros de intervención. Aun así, se debe hacer una lectura conjunta entre la prevalencia y la prevalencia de los factores asociados, en este caso de la ansiedad social, que podría explicar el bajo nivel de prevalencia, tal y como lo sugiere en su análisis Brand (2017). Sobre la asociación entre las variables, los resultados confirman algunas de las hipótesis.…”

The Role of Empathy and Life Satisfaction in Internet and Smartphone Use Disorder

“…This relation is also outlined in a new model explaining the development and maintenance of IUD, the I-PACE (Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution) model from Brand et al ( 2016 ). Aside from factors such as the biopsychological constitution of a person (e.g., genetics), motives for using the Internet, psychopathological factors, or social cognitions, personality factors are considered to play a crucial role when developing or maintaining IUD (Brand, 2017 ). Previous studies in this regard suggest that, for example, low self-directedness (Montag et al, 2010 , 2011 ; Hahn et al, 2017 ), low self-esteem (Sariyska et al, 2014 ), and low conscientiousness (Stavropoulos et al, 2016 ) might be predisposing factors that render individuals vulnerable for the development of IUD.…”

<p>Relationships between Internet addiction and clinicodemographic and behavioral factors</p>

“…How individuals engage in online activities may reflect multiple factors such as social background and relationships, and psychological and cognitive functioning. Many theoretical models of IA were proposed 8,9. Brand et al proposed that certain personality factors, psychopathological symptoms, and social cognitions would predispose IA in the presence of mediating factors like dysfunctional coping styles and Internet use expectancies 10.…”

“…Brand et al proposed that certain personality factors, psychopathological symptoms, and social cognitions would predispose IA in the presence of mediating factors like dysfunctional coping styles and Internet use expectancies 10. Dong and Potenza introduced a model that connects Internet gaming disorder with cognitive functioning, such as decision-making style, executive control, stress relief, and reward sensation on craving for IA 8,9…”