Internet-communication disorder: Affektive und kognitive Mechanismen als zentrale Faktoren bei der Entwicklung und Aufrechterhaltung einer pathologischen Nutzung

Die Internet-communication disorder (ICD) beschreibt die pathologische Nutzung von Online-Kommunikationsanwendungen wie Social Networking Sites, Instant Messenger Services oder (Micro-) Blogs. Dieses klinisch relevante Phänomen wird trotz bisheriger fehlender Klassifikation als spezifische Form der Internet-use disorder (IUD) eingeordnet. Zahlreiche empirische Arbeiten untersuchten potenzielle Risikofaktoren, wobei in erster Linie Personenmerkmale als Prädiktoren ermittelt wurden, die das Risiko der Entwicklung und Aufrechterhaltung einer ICD erhöhen. Theoretische Annahmen wie das I-PACE Modell (Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Exection Model) von Brand, Young, Laier, Wölfling und Potenza (2016) adressieren jedoch neben der Relevanz von Personenmerkmalen unter anderem auch interagierende Effekte affektiver und kognitiver Komponenten als Mechanismen einer spezifischen IUD. Bisher fehlen allerdings Studien, die den Effekt von Personenmerkmalen unter Berücksichtigung kognitiver Mechanismen auf die ICD untersuchen. Auch die Rolle affektiver Komponenten wie Cue-Reactivity und Craving als zentrale Konstrukte bei der Erklärung dieser dysfunktionalen Nutzung wurde noch nicht geprüft. Die aktuelle kumulative Dissertation soll somit die Forschungslücke hinsichtlich der Relevanz affektiver und kognitiver Komponenten bei der Entwicklung und Aufrechterhaltung einer ICD adressieren. Schrift 1 des Kumulus unterstreicht den Effekt psychopathologischer Symptombelastung wie Depressivität und Unsicherheit im Sozialkontakt auf die Tendenz zu einer ICD. Dabei wird gezeigt, dass dieser Effekt durch die Internetnutzungserwartungen und Facetten der Internetnutzungskompetenz mediiert wird. Schrift 2 bekräftigt die Mediationseffekte kognitiver Mechanismen auf den Zusammenhang zwischen Personenmerkmalen und Tendenzen zu einer ICD. Dabei kann gezeigt werden, dass der Zusammenhang psychopathologischer Symptombelastung und einzelner Personencharakteristika wie Selbstwert, Stressvulnerabilität und Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung auf die Tendenz zu einer ICD durch die Internetnutzungserwartung beziehungsweise durch einen dysfunktionalen Coping-Stil mediiert wird. Hervorzuheben ist auch, dass soziale Aspekte wie soziale Einsamkeit und fehlende wahrgenommene soziale Unterstützung einen direkten Effekt auf die Entwicklung und Aufrechterhaltung von Symptomen einer ICD haben. Die Befunde aus Schrift 1 und 2 legen nahe, dass kognitive Faktoren das Risiko einer dysfunktionalen Nutzung von Online-Kommunikationsanwendungen verstärken können beziehungsweise für den Faktor der Selbstregulation präventive Mechanismen greifen. In der dritten Schrift des Kumulus gilt es die Rolle affektiver Konstrukte wie Cue-Reactivity und Craving als weitere Risikofaktoren einer ICD zu identifizieren. Es konnte erstmalig in einem experimentellen Versuchsdesign gezeigt werden, dass Personen, die mit online-kommunikationsspezifischen Reizen (visuell oder auditiv) konfrontiert werden, stärkere Craving-Reaktionen zeigen als Personen, die neutralen Reizen ausgesetzt werden. Das subjektiv wahrgenommene Craving korreliert außerdem positiv mit der Tendenz zu einer ICD. Somit verdeutlichen die Befunde der Schrift 3, dass klassische Suchtkonzepte wie Cue-Reactivity und Craving auch bei dieser spezifischen Facette der IUD eine zentrale Rolle spielen. Die vorliegenden Befunde aller drei Schriften können im Hinblick des I-PACE Modells diskutiert werden und stehen im Einklang mit theoretischen Annahmen aus der Suchtforschung, aber auch mit grundlegenden Konzepten der Medienpsychologie wie dem Uses and Gratifications Ansatz und der Social Compensation Theory. Zusammenfassend lassen sich Alleinstellungsmerkmale, aber auch Gemeinsamkeiten der ICD mit anderen substanzgebundenen und nicht-substanzgebundenen Süchten feststellen.Internet-communication disorder (ICD) is described as the pathological use of online-communication applications such as social networking sites, instant messenger services, or (mirco-) blogs. This clinical relevant phenomenon is not yet classified but discussed as a specific form of Internet-use disorders (IUD). Empirical studies already addressed person’s core characteristics as risk factors of the development and maintenance of an ICD. Theoretical approaches such as the I-PACE model (Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition Execution Model) by Brand, Young, Laier, Wölfling, and Potenza (2016) address the relevance of person’s core characteristics and the interaction with affective and cognitive components as mechanisms of a specific IUD. Nevertheless, studies are missing which investigate the effect of person’s core characteristics on ICD under consideration of cognitive mechanisms. The effect of affective components such as cue-reactivity and craving for the development of a dysfunctional use has so far not been investigated, either. The cumulative dissertation aims to address this research gap. Script 1 of the cumulus demonstrates the effect of psychopathological symptoms such as depression and interpersonal sensitivity on ICD, which is mediated by Internet-use expectancies and dimensions of Internet literacy. Script 2 of the cumulus emphasizes the mediation effect of specific cognitions on the relationship between person’s core characteristics and symptoms of ICD. The results show that the effect of psychopathological symptoms and personal aspects such as self-esteem, stress vulnerability, and self-efficacy on symptoms of ICD is mediated by Internet-use expectancies as well as dysfunctional coping style. Social aspects such as social loneliness and less perceived social support have a direct effect on the development and maintenance of symptoms of an ICD. Taken together, the results of script 1 and 2 emphasize that cognitive mechanisms reinforce the risk of a dysfunctional use of online-communication applications. Script 3 of the cumulus investigates the effect of affective components such as cue-reactivity and craving as risk factors of an ICD. In an experimental setting the results indicate that persons confronted with online-communication related cues (acoustically or visually) show higher craving reactions than persons confronted with neutral cues. Subjective perceived craving correlates positively with tendencies of an ICD. Script 3 emphasizes that cue-reactivity and craving play an important role in this specific IUD as well. The current finding of the scripts 1-3 are discussed in the context of the I-PACE model and are in line with further models of the addiction research and of media psychology concepts such as uses and gratifications approach as well as social compensation theory. Summarized, there are convergent as well as divergent mechanisms of an ICD regarding other substance-use and non-substance use addictions

The imperative of integrating empirical and theoretical considerations when developing policy responses to Internet-gaming disorder : Commentary on: Policy responses to problematic video game use: A systematic review of current measures and future possibilities (Király et al., 2018)

This commentary proposes an integrative approach of theoretical and empirical considerations when developing policy responses to Internet-gaming disorder and when evaluating their efficacy. It complements the overview by Király et al. (2018) about preventive and treatment programs by referring to a lack of inclusion of internal factors, such as individual aspects and cognitions, and missing empirical evidence. This commentary claims the integration of current research addressing individual predisposing and maintaining factors in order to evaluate existing programs and to enhance the exchange between actors including policy. This integrative approach has the potential to develop successful preventive strategies, which could be implemented realistically and socially responsible

Addictive use of social networking sites can be explained by the interaction of Internet use expectancies, Internet literacy, and psychopathological symptoms

Background and Aims Most people use the Internet in a functional way to achieve certain goals and needs. However, there is an increasing number of people who experience negative consequences like loss of control and distress based on an excessive use of the Internet and its specific online applications. Some approaches postulate similarities with behavioral addictions as well as substance dependencies. They differentiate between a generalized and a specific Internet addiction, such as the pathological use of social networking sites (SIA–SNS). Prior studies particularly identified the use of applications, personal characteristics, and psychopathological symptoms as significant predictors for the development and maintenance of this phenomenon. So far, it remains unclear how psychopathological symptoms like depression and social anxiety interact with individual expectancies of Internet use and capabilities of handling the Internet, summarized as Internet literacy. Methods The current study (N = 334) investigated the interaction of these components in a structural equation model. Results The results indicate that the effects of depression and social anxiety on SIA–SNS were mediated by Internet use expectancies and self-regulation. Discussion Thus, Internet use expectancies seem to be crucial for SIA–SNS, which is in line with prior models. Conclusions SNS use may be reinforced by experienced gratification and relief from negative feelings. Individual competences in handling the Internet may be preventive for the development of SIA–SNS

Deficits in executive functions but not in decision making under risk in individuals with problematic social-network use.

Background: The tendency to strive for immediate gratification by neglecting potential negative long-term outcomes characterizes addictive behaviors, such as substance use or gaming disorder. Problematic socialnetwork use is currently discussed as another potential addictive behavior, which is considered to result from an imbalance between affective and cognitive processes, indicated by traits such as increased impulsivity and/ or decreased executive functions and decision-making abilities. Methods: This study investigates the respective functions in social-network users by use of the Cards and Lottery Task (CLT) – a decision-making task under risk conditions in which options contain conflicting immediate and long-term outcomes at the same time. A sample of German and Spanish participants (N = 290) performed the CLT aswell as the Modified Card Sorting Test (MCST), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), the short Internet Addiction Test specified for social-networking (sIAT-SNS), and screeners on other potentially problematic behaviors. Results: Comparing extreme groups based on sIAT-SNS scores (1SD above/below mean), individuals with problematic social-network use (n = 56), as compared to those with non-problematic social-network use (n = 50), showed increased attentional impulsivity and reduced executive functions. No differences were observed in decision-making performance. Conclusion: The findings indicate that problematic social-network use is related to attentional rather than general decision-making deficits. Furthermore, problematic social-network use is likely to co-occurwith other problematic Internet-use behaviors, particularly gaming or shopping.pre-print455 K

Decision Making and Risk Propensity in Individuals with Tendencies towards Specific Internet-Use Disorders.

The uncontrolled use of specific Internet applications is increasingly recognized as a mental health issue. Gaming disorder, which is one subtype of specific Internet-use disorders (sIUDs), has been included in the ICD-11 as disorder due to addictive behaviors. Addictive disorders are assumed to be accompanied by cognitive deficits as indicated by weaker performance in executive function and risky decision-making tasks. This study investigates risky decision-making in individuals with tendencies towards sIUDs including gaming, online buying-shopping, and social-networksuse disorders. A total of 293 individuals participated in the study. Based on specific screening instruments, the participants were assigned to a group with tendencies towards sIUD or a control group. Participants completed a risky decision-making task and questionnaires assessing risk-taking propensity, impulsivity, psychopathology, and perceived stress. The group with sIUD tendencies showed higher attentional impulsivity and higher levels of depression and anxiety compared to the control group. The groups did not differ in decision making and risk propensity. Decision making did not have significant effects on sIUD symptoms. Risk for developing sIUDs does not appear to be accompanied by altered general decision-making tendencies. Rather, psychological (pre-)load and attentional deficits appear to be relevant features in uncontrolled use of the Internet.post-print673 K

A Randomized Study of Food Pictures-Influenced Decision-Making Under Ambiguity in Individuals With Morbid Obesity

Background and Aims In addition to craving responses to salient food cues, the anticipation of short-term rewarding consumption of palatable food may overrun the anticipation of long-term negative consequences of obesity. The present investigation addressed the potential interplay of food cravings and decision-making abilities in individuals with obesity. Method Study 1 included 107 bariatric surgery candidates with class 2/3 obesity (OB-group) and study 2 included 54 individuals with normal weight/pre-obesity (nonOB-group). In both studies, standardized questionnaires concerning food cravings, food addiction, and psychopathology were administered. A cue-reactivity paradigm was used to measure craving responses toward semi-individualized images of highly palatable, processed food/fruit (appetitive food cues) compared to images of raw vegetables (non-appetitive food cues). Decision-making was measured with a modified computerized version of the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) with food pictures. Both groups were divided into two subgroups that were randomized to different IGT conditions. In one IGT condition the advantageous IGT card decks were covered by pictures of palatable, processed food or fruit and the disadvantageous decks by images of raw vegetables (= congruent condition), and in the other IGT conditionvice versa. Results Participants in the OB-group admitted on average higher craving responses toward palatable, processed food or fruit cues compared to pictures of raw vegetables. This was not the case in the nonOB-group. Contrary to our hypothesis, decision-making performance in both groups was worse when pictures of palatable, processed food or fruit were associated with advantageous IGT card decks compared to performance when those pictures were linked to the disadvantageous decks. The interference effect of food pictures processing on advantageous decision-making has been observed particularly in those individuals of the OB-group who exhibited high craving responses toward palatable, processed food cues or high levels of food addiction. Discussion The results indicate that food pictures processing interferes with decision-making, regardless of weight status. Opposed to the hypothesis, stronger tendencies to avoid than to approach pictures presenting processed, tasty food were observed. Further research should examine how cognitive avoidance tendencies toward processed, high energy food and approach tendencies toward healthy food can be transferred to real life situations

Addiction Research Unit : Affective and cognitive mechanisms of specific Internet-use disorders

In the eleventh International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) of the World Health Organization, gambling disorder and gaming disorder are included in the category ‘disorders due to addictive behaviours’, which can be specified further as occurring either predominantly offline or predominantly online. Other specific problematic behaviours may be considered for the category ‘other specified disorders due to addictive behaviours’. The Research Unit FOR 2974, funded by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG), focuses on the most prominent online addictive behaviours: gaming, pornography use, buying-shopping and social networks use. The main goal of the Research Unit is to contribute to a better under standing of the common and differential psychological as well as neurobiological mechanisms involved in these specific types of Internet-use disorders. We aim to investigate theoretically argued (bio)psychological processes with a focus on concepts coming from research of substance-use disorders, for example, cue reactivity and craving, executive functions and specific inhibitory control, coping, implicit cognitions, and decision making. One central characteristic of the Research Unit is that we will investigate all participants using a comprehensive core battery of experimental paradigms, neuropsychological tasks, questionnaires, biomarkers, ambulatory assessment, and a 6-month follow-up survey. Beyond the anticipated contributions to the scientific understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development and maintenance of respective online addictive behaviours, we also expect contributions to clinical practice by showing which affective and cognitive mechanisms may be addressed more intensively to optimize treatment

Facets of impulsivity and related aspects differentiate among recreational and unregulated use of Internet pornography

Background and aims: Unregulated Internet pornography (IP) use is discussed as a clinically significant disorder. Because of its primarily rewarding nature, IP is a predestinated target for addictive behaviors. However, not every user develops an unregulated usage pattern. In fact, most users tend to use IP recreationally. Impulsivity-related constructs have been identified as promoters of addictive behaviors. It is unclear whether these impulsivity-related constructs are specific for unregulated IP use or also play a role in recreational but frequent behaviors. In this study, we investigated impulsive tendencies (trait impulsivity, delay discounting, and cognitive style), craving toward IP, attitude regarding IP, and coping styles in individuals with recreational–occasional, recreational–frequent, and unregulated IP use. Methods: A total of 1,498 heterosexual males participated in an online survey. Groups of individuals with recreational–occasional use (n = 333), recreational–frequent use (n = 394), and unregulated use (n = 225) of IP were identified by screening instruments. Results: Craving and attitude regarding IP as well as delay discounting and cognitive and coping styles differed between groups. Individuals with unregulated use showed the highest scores for craving, attentional impulsivity, delay discounting, and dysfunctional coping, and lowest scores for functional coping and need for cognition. Recreational–frequent users had the most positive attitude toward IP. Motor and non-planning impulsivity did not differ between groups. Discussion and conclusions: The results indicate that some facets of impulsivity and related factors such as craving and a more negative attitude are specific for unregulated IP users. The results are also consistent with models on specific Internet use disorders and addictive behaviors