Metacognitive-affective pathways linking intolerance of uncertainty with problematic smartphone use in emerging adults

IF 3.6 2区医学 Q1 PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL

Addictive behaviors Pub Date : 2025-09-05 DOI:10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108479

Meng Xuan ZHANG , Yu Qing WU , Anise M.S. WU

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Emerging adulthood, a transition period in life, is highly intertwined with uncertainty and is thus potentially associated with increased vulnerability to maladaptive coping and problematic behaviors, including problematic smartphone use (PSU). The current study was designed to test not only the associations of intolerance of uncertainty (IU) with PSU tendencies but also the underlying (meta)cognitive and affective mechanisms. A sample of 566 participants who were 18–25 years old (M_age = 20.92, SD_age = 1.72; 65.3 % female) was collected. All participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire. The current results indicated a statistically significant positive association between IU and PSU tendencies. Path model further highlighted sequential mediating roles played by two components of metacognitive beliefs (i.e., negative beliefs about worry and cognitive confidence) and anxiety symptoms, underlying the IU-PSU link. Future interventions for PSU tendencies in emerging adults should consider metacognitive therapy, specifically targeting the two identified metacognitive risk factors, especially for those with IU and affective problems.

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新兴成人对不确定性的不耐受与智能手机使用问题之间的元认知-情感通路

成年初期是人生的一个过渡期，与不确定性高度交织在一起，因此可能与更容易出现适应不良的应对和问题行为（包括有问题的智能手机使用）有关。目前的研究不仅旨在测试不确定性不耐受（IU）与PSU倾向的关系，还旨在测试潜在的（元）认知和情感机制。收集了566名18-25岁的参与者（Mage = 20.92, SDage = 1.72, 65.3%为女性）。所有参与者都完成了一份匿名在线问卷。目前的结果表明，IU和PSU倾向之间存在统计学上显著的正相关。路径模型进一步强调了元认知信念（即关于担忧和认知自信的消极信念）和焦虑症状的两个组成部分的顺序中介作用，这是IU-PSU联系的基础。未来对新生成人PSU倾向的干预应考虑元认知治疗，特别是针对两个已确定的元认知危险因素，特别是那些有IU和情感问题的人。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Addictive behaviors 医学-药物滥用

CiteScore

8.40

自引率

4.50%

发文量

283

审稿时长

46 days

期刊介绍： Addictive Behaviors is an international peer-reviewed journal publishing high quality human research on addictive behaviors and disorders since 1975. The journal accepts submissions of full-length papers and short communications on substance-related addictions such as the abuse of alcohol, drugs and nicotine, and behavioral addictions involving gambling and technology. We primarily publish behavioral and psychosocial research but our articles span the fields of psychology, sociology, psychiatry, epidemiology, social policy, medicine, pharmacology and neuroscience. While theoretical orientations are diverse, the emphasis of the journal is primarily empirical. That is, sound experimental design combined with valid, reliable assessment and evaluation procedures are a requisite for acceptance. However, innovative and empirically oriented case studies that might encourage new lines of inquiry are accepted as well. Studies that clearly contribute to current knowledge of etiology, prevention, social policy or treatment are given priority. Scholarly commentaries on topical issues, systematic reviews, and mini reviews are encouraged. We especially welcome multimedia papers that incorporate video or audio components to better display methodology or findings. Studies can also be submitted to Addictive Behaviors? companion title, the open access journal Addictive Behaviors Reports, which has a particular interest in ''non-traditional'', innovative and empirically-oriented research such as negative/null data papers, replication studies, case reports on novel treatments, and cross-cultural research.