Psychosocial adjustment and problematic internet use among emerging adults: A bidirectional relationship mediated by core self-evaluation

While the digital age has enhanced it has also introduced problematic internet use (PIU), linked to psychosocial adjustment problems, particularly among emerging adults aged 18 to 25. This study investigated the bidirectional relationship between psychosocial adjustment and PIU, focusing on the mediating role of core self-evaluation (CSE) and potential gender differences. Using a longitudinal design with 5,200 Chinese emerging adults, random intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPM) analyzed reciprocal relationships among psychosocial adjustment, CSE, and PIU over three waves. The findings confirmed a significant bidirectional relationship between psychosocial adjustment and PIU. Poor psychosocial adjustment predicted subsequent PIU and vice versa. CSE at Time 2 mediated the association between psychosocial adjustment at Time 1 and PIU at Time 3, but did not mediate the reverse relationship. No gender differences were found in the longitudinal associations. The study suggests that emerging adults may be trapped in a vicious cycle of psychosocial adjustment problems and PIU. Fostering CSE in youth is crucial for breaking this cycle and mitigating the negative impact of psychosocial adjustment on PIU among emerging adults.