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Internet-Related Disorders and Their Effects on Personality Development in Adolescents from Germany—Results from a Prospective Study

Author

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  • Kai W. Müller

    (Outpatient Clinic for Behavioral Addiction, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany)

  • Manfred E. Beutel

    (Outpatient Clinic for Behavioral Addiction, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany)

  • Leonard Reinecke

    (Department of Communication, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany)

  • Michael Dreier

    (Outpatient Clinic for Behavioral Addiction, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany)

  • Christian Schemer

    (Department of Communication, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany)

  • Mathias Weber

    (Department of Communication, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany)

  • Anna Schnauber-Stockmann

    (Department of Communication, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany)

  • Birgit Stark

    (Department of Communication, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany)

  • Oliver Quiring

    (Department of Communication, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany)

  • Klaus Wölfling

    (Outpatient Clinic for Behavioral Addiction, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany)

Abstract

Internet-related disorders (IRD) are increasingly becoming a major health issue. IRD are defined as the predominant use of online content, related to a loss of control and continued use despite negative consequences. Despite findings from cross-sectional studies, the causality of pathways accelerating the development of IRD are unclear. While etiological models emphasize the role of personality as risk factor, mutual influences between IRD and personality have not been examined. A prospective study with two assessments was conducted with n = 941 adolescents (mean age of 13.1 years; 10–17 years). Our aim was to validate etiological assumptions and to examine the effects of IRD-symptoms on the maturation of personality. IRD were measured with the Scale of the Assessment of Internet and Computer game Addiction (AICA-S). Personality traits were assessed using the Brief Five Factor Inventory (BFI). Conscientiousness and neuroticism were predictive for IRD symptoms one year later, and were likewise prone to changes depending on incidence or remission of IRD. Conscientiousness and openness moderated the course of IRD symptoms. Our findings point to complex trait–pathology associations. Personality influences the risk of development and maintenance of IRD symptoms and pre-existing IRD-symptoms affect the development of personality. Adaptations to etiological models are discussed and perspectives for novel intervention strategies are suggested.

Suggested Citation

  • Kai W. Müller & Manfred E. Beutel & Leonard Reinecke & Michael Dreier & Christian Schemer & Mathias Weber & Anna Schnauber-Stockmann & Birgit Stark & Oliver Quiring & Klaus Wölfling, 2022. "Internet-Related Disorders and Their Effects on Personality Development in Adolescents from Germany—Results from a Prospective Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-11, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:1:p:529-:d:717166
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kai W. Müller & Jennifer Werthmann & Manfred E. Beutel & Klaus Wölfling & Boris Egloff, 2021. "Maladaptive Personality Traits and Their Interaction with Outcome Expectancies in Gaming Disorder and Internet-Related Disorders," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-11, April.
    2. Jule Specht & Boris Egloff & Stefan C. Schmukle, 2011. "Stability and Change of Personality across the Life Course: The Impact of Age and Major Life Events on Mean-Level and Rank-Order Stability of the Big Five," SOEPpapers on Multidisciplinary Panel Data Research 377, DIW Berlin, The German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP).
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