I. Benzi, Nicola Carone, Andrea Fontana, L. Barone
{"title":"Problematic Internet Use in Emerging Adulthood: The Interplay Between Narcissistic Vulnerability and Environmental Sensitivity","authors":"I. Benzi, Nicola Carone, Andrea Fontana, L. Barone","doi":"10.1027/1864-1105/a000386","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"Abstract: Research has shown the importance of exploring variables associated with problematic Internet use (PIU) in emerging adulthood. In this scenario, grandiose and vulnerable narcissistic features might be differently associated with PIU. Similarly, environmental sensitivity encompasses heightened empathy, sensitivity to rejection, and problems in emotional regulation. However, the interplay of narcissism and environmental sensitivity associated with PIU has not yet been explored. In this scenario, in a sample of 319 emerging adults (female = 78%, Mage = 24.00, SD = 2.33), we explored the role of environmental sensitivity in the association between narcissistic features and PIU using general linear models that were compared via a total coefficient of determination (TCD) and Akaike information criterion (AIC). Data highlighted that one emerging adult out of four displayed at least a moderate level of PIU. Furthermore, results showed that only narcissistic vulnerability was associated with PIU. Also, findings suggest that higher sensitivity to environmental stimuli (positive or negative ones) strengthens the association between vulnerable narcissism and PIU. Our study sheds light on the complex and multidimensional nature of PIU, acknowledging the interaction between different personality traits linked to an increased sensitivity to the social world: environmental sensitivity, including the environmental and social cues, and narcissistic features, encompassing the fear of rejection and/or devaluation from others. By exploring these associations, this study highlights the need for more targeted interventions to address PIU, particularly for individuals with higher levels of self-sensitivity when navigating the interpersonal domain.","PeriodicalId":46730,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Media Psychology-Theories Methods and Applications","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7000,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"3","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Journal of Media Psychology-Theories Methods and Applications","FirstCategoryId":"102","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1027/1864-1105/a000386","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q2","JCRName":"COMMUNICATION","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 3
Abstract
Abstract: Research has shown the importance of exploring variables associated with problematic Internet use (PIU) in emerging adulthood. In this scenario, grandiose and vulnerable narcissistic features might be differently associated with PIU. Similarly, environmental sensitivity encompasses heightened empathy, sensitivity to rejection, and problems in emotional regulation. However, the interplay of narcissism and environmental sensitivity associated with PIU has not yet been explored. In this scenario, in a sample of 319 emerging adults (female = 78%, Mage = 24.00, SD = 2.33), we explored the role of environmental sensitivity in the association between narcissistic features and PIU using general linear models that were compared via a total coefficient of determination (TCD) and Akaike information criterion (AIC). Data highlighted that one emerging adult out of four displayed at least a moderate level of PIU. Furthermore, results showed that only narcissistic vulnerability was associated with PIU. Also, findings suggest that higher sensitivity to environmental stimuli (positive or negative ones) strengthens the association between vulnerable narcissism and PIU. Our study sheds light on the complex and multidimensional nature of PIU, acknowledging the interaction between different personality traits linked to an increased sensitivity to the social world: environmental sensitivity, including the environmental and social cues, and narcissistic features, encompassing the fear of rejection and/or devaluation from others. By exploring these associations, this study highlights the need for more targeted interventions to address PIU, particularly for individuals with higher levels of self-sensitivity when navigating the interpersonal domain.
期刊介绍:
Journal of Media Psychology (JMP) is committed to publishing original, high-quality papers which cover the broad range of media psychological research. This peer-reviewed journal focuses on how human beings select, use, and experience various media as well as how media (use) can affect their cognitions, emotions, and behaviors. Submissions must substantially advance the current state-of the art on a theoretical and/or an empirical level. To name just a few typical fields and domains of inquiry, the Journal of Media Psychology considers manuscripts dealing with research on entertainment, computer-mediated communication (including social media), human-computer interaction, e-learning, computer and video games, virtual environments, or advertising. The journal is also open to research from neighboring disciplines as far as this work ties in with psychological concepts of the uses and effects of the media. Submissions of comparative work, e.g., crossmedia, cross-gender, or cross-cultural, are encouraged. Moreover, submissions including alternative analysis procedures such as the Bayesian approach are welcome. Starting in 2015, the pre-registration of research plans will also be possible. To ensure short turn-around cycles for manuscript review and fast publication, the Journal of Media Psychology relies heavily upon electronic communication and information exchange, starting from electronic submission and continuing throughout the entire review and production process.