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Perceptions Underlying Addictive Technology Use Patterns: Insights for Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy

Author

Listed:
  • Olatz Lopez-Fernandez

    (Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Avda. Reyes Católicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain)

  • Lucia Romo

    (CLInique PSYchanalyse Développement (CLIPSYD—EA4430), Université Paris Nanterre, 200 Av. de la République, 92000 Nanterre, France
    Hôpital Universitaire Raymond Poincaré, AP-HP Garches, CESP, U1018 INSERM UPS UVSQ 2, 104 Bd Raymond Poincaré, 92380 Garches, France)

  • Laurence Kern

    (EA 2931, Centre de Recherches sur le Sport et le Mouvement (CESRM), Université Paris Nanterre, 200 Av. de la République, 92000 Nanterre, France)

  • Amélie Rousseau

    (Psychology Department, Centre d’Etudes et Recherches en Psychopathologie et Psychologie de la Santé (EA7411), Université Toulouse Jean Jaurès, 5 All. Antonio Machado, 31058 Toulouse, France
    Laboratoie VCR, Ecole de Psychologues Praticiens de l’Institut Catholique de Paris, 71, Rue Molière, 69000 Lyon, France)

  • Pierluigi Graziani

    (LPS EA 849, Aix-Marseille University, Jardin du Pharo, 58 Boulevard Charles Livon, 13007 Marseille, France
    Psychologie, Langues, Lettres et Histoire Département, University of Nîmes, Rue de Docteur Georges Salang Cs 13019, 30021 Nîmes, France)

  • Lucien Rochat

    (Specialized Facility in Behavioral Addiction ReConnecte, Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland)

  • Sophia Achab

    (Psychological and Sociological Research and Training Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva, 24 Rue du Général-Dufour, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
    Outpatient Treatment Unit for Addictive Behaviors ReConnecte, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland)

  • Daniele Zullino

    (Psychological and Sociological Research and Training Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva, 24 Rue du Général-Dufour, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
    Outpatient Treatment Unit for Addictive Behaviors ReConnecte, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland)

  • Nils Inge Landrø

    (Clinical Neuroscience Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Forskningsveien 3A, 0373 Oslo, Norway)

  • Juan José Zacarés

    (Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Valencia, Av. de Blasco Ibáñez, 13, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Emilia Serra

    (Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Valencia, Av. de Blasco Ibáñez, 13, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Mariano Chóliz

    (Department of Basic Psychology, University of Valencia, Av. de Blasco Ibáñez, 13, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Halley M. Pontes

    (Department of Organizational Psychology, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet St, London WC1E 7HX, UK)

  • Mark D. Griffiths

    (International Gaming Research Unit, Cyberpsychology Research Group, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK)

  • Daria J. Kuss

    (International Gaming Research Unit, Cyberpsychology Research Group, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Olatz Lopez-Fernandez & Lucia Romo & Laurence Kern & Amélie Rousseau & Pierluigi Graziani & Lucien Rochat & Sophia Achab & Daniele Zullino & Nils Inge Landrø & Juan José Zacarés & Emilia Serra & Maria, 2022. "Perceptions Underlying Addictive Technology Use Patterns: Insights for Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-19, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:1:p:544-:d:717466
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Olatz Lopez-Fernandez, 2018. "Generalised Versus Specific Internet Use-Related Addiction Problems: A Mixed Methods Study on Internet, Gaming, and Social Networking Behaviours," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-33, December.
    2. Olatz Lopez-Fernandez & Daria J. Kuss, 2020. "Preventing Harmful Internet Use-Related Addiction Problems in Europe: A Literature Review and Policy Options," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-20, May.
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