Examining the impact of reinforcement sensitivity theory on compulsive internet use through difficulty in emotion regulation

IF 2.3 3区心理学 Q2 PSYCHOLOGY, EXPERIMENTAL

New Ideas in Psychology Pub Date : 2025-03-29 DOI:10.1016/j.newideapsych.2025.101160

Ali Khoshfetrat , Gretta Mohan

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Abstract

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory, encompassing Behavioural Inhibition and Activation Systems (BIS/BAS), may help us understand the modern-day phenomenon of compulsive Internet use. BAS, a neurologically appetitive system is sensitive to positive cues (e.g., rewards), and traditionally linked with addictive behaviours, whereas BIS is sensitive to negative cues (e.g., punishment), and inhibits behaviour. Analysing data on a sample of 209 young people attending university, BIS is found to be related to compulsive Internet use, not BAS. Furthermore, BIS is revealed to have a significant indirect effect on compulsive Internet use through difficulties in emotion regulation. The findings can be employed by practitioners, who work with compulsive Internet users, to try to weaken the patients’ inhibitory behaviours that may improve their emotion regulation skills, which in turn could help individuals reduce their need to be online. Longitudinal research is required to provide more reliable results and confirm the directionality of the effects.

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来源期刊

New Ideas in Psychology Multiple-

CiteScore

4.80

自引率

3.80%

发文量

期刊介绍： New Ideas in Psychology is a journal for theoretical psychology in its broadest sense. We are looking for new and seminal ideas, from within Psychology and from other fields that have something to bring to Psychology. We welcome presentations and criticisms of theory, of background metaphysics, and of fundamental issues of method, both empirical and conceptual. We put special emphasis on the need for informed discussion of psychological theories to be interdisciplinary. Empirical papers are accepted at New Ideas in Psychology, but only as long as they focus on conceptual issues and are theoretically creative. We are also open to comments or debate, interviews, and book reviews.