The Relationship Between Facebook Intrusion and Self-Control Dimensions Among Facebook Users

Abstract. Previous studies have shown the essential role of self-control in the development of behavioral addiction such as gaming, Internet, or gambling addiction. On the one hand, most studies have considered self-control as a homogeneous phenomenon. On the other hand, little evidence has been found on the relationship between the self-control dimensions and Facebook intrusion (FI). Additionally, research on the relationship between the dimensions of self-control and FI has only been conducted on a group of gamers. Consequently, the aim of this study was to test the relationship between FI and the self-control dimensions among young Facebook users who were not gamers. A total of 991 individuals (785 females) took part in the study. The self-control dimensions were assessed with NAS-50 and FI was assessed with the Facebook Intrusion Scale. Taking into account the results of the structural equation analysis, the findings showed a significant relationship between FI and self-control dimensions such as inhibition and adjournment, initiative and persistence, and goal maintenance among young Facebook users. Based on this study, it can be concluded that the behavioral mechanism connected with FI may be primarily associated with a low ability to suppress or delay unwanted or improper actions and that this may contribute to the failure of goal-directed behavior. It can also be assumed that this mechanism is associated with a low ability to focus on goals and a low ability to induce efficient motivation and have persistence to achieve higher-order goals.