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    Perceptions underlying addictive technology use patterns: insights for Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy

    Lopez-Fernandez, O. and Romo, L. and Kern, L. and Rousseau, A. and Graziani, P. and Rochat, L. and Achab, S. and Zullino, D. and Inge Landrø, N. and Zacarés, J.J. and Serra, E. and Chóliz, M. and Pontes, Halley and Griffiths, M.D. and Kuss, D.J. (2022) Perceptions underlying addictive technology use patterns: insights for Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19 (1), p. 544. ISSN 1660-4601.

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    Abstract

    Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is considered the ‘gold standard’ in the treatment of addictive disorders related to excessive technology use. However, the cognitive components of problematic internet use are not yet well-known. The aim of the present study was to explore the cognitive components, that according to problematic users, can lead to potential internet addiction. A total of 854 European adults completed an online survey using a mixed-methods design. Internet problems and attachment styles were assessed, prevalence rates estimated, correlations, chi-squared automatic interaction detection, and content analysis were performed. Self-reported addictions to social networking, internet, and gaming had a prevalence between 1.2% (gaming) to 2.7% (social networking). Self-perception of the addiction problem and preoccupied attachment style were discriminative factors for internet addiction. In an analysis of qualitative responses from self-identified compulsive internet users, a sense of not belonging and feeling of disconnection during life events were perceived as causes for internet addiction. The development depended on a cycle of mixed feelings associated with negative thoughts, compensated by a positive online identity. The severity of this behaviour pattern produced significant impairment in various areas of the participants’ functioning, suggesting a possible addiction problem. It is suggested that health professionals administering CBT should target unhealthy preoccupations and monitor mixed feelings and thoughts related to internet use to support coping with cognitive distortions.

    Metadata

    Item Type: Article
    Keyword(s) / Subject(s): cognitive-behavioural therapy, cognition, behaviours, internet addiction, compulsive internet use, internet use-related addiction, adults, preoccupied attachment style, mixed-methods
    School: Birkbeck Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science > School of Psychological Sciences
    Depositing User: Halley Pontes
    Date Deposited: 14 Mar 2022 13:42
    Last Modified: 07 Aug 2023 16:19
    URI: https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/47209

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