The associations of neuroticism and conscientiousness with internet addiction in Dutch adolescents: exploring the mediating role of perceived social support

While the Big Five personality traits of neuroticism and conscientiousness have consistently been established as risk and protective factors for internet addiction (IA), respectively, personality is rather resistant to change. As perceived social support (PSS) is more malleable, it may be an accessible intervention point for IA in adolescents with at-risk personality traits. This study investigated whether neuroticism and conscientiousness were associated with IA in Dutch adolescents specifically, and, if so, whether PSS was a mediator in these associations. We aimed to contribute to the scarce literature in the Dutch adolescent population with a new sample, identify risk and protective factors of IA, and detect possible points of intervention. To our knowledge, this was the first study to explore the mediating role of PSS in these associations. The data of 109 Dutch adolescents aged 13 to 25 years were analyzed in this cross-sectional study using mediation analyses....Show moreWhile the Big Five personality traits of neuroticism and conscientiousness have consistently been established as risk and protective factors for internet addiction (IA), respectively, personality is rather resistant to change. As perceived social support (PSS) is more malleable, it may be an accessible intervention point for IA in adolescents with at-risk personality traits. This study investigated whether neuroticism and conscientiousness were associated with IA in Dutch adolescents specifically, and, if so, whether PSS was a mediator in these associations. We aimed to contribute to the scarce literature in the Dutch adolescent population with a new sample, identify risk and protective factors of IA, and detect possible points of intervention. To our knowledge, this was the first study to explore the mediating role of PSS in these associations. The data of 109 Dutch adolescents aged 13 to 25 years were analyzed in this cross-sectional study using mediation analyses. Conscientiousness, neuroticism, PSS, and IA were measured via self-report. Results indicate a positive association of neuroticism and IA, and a negative association of conscientiousness and IA. However, PSS was not found to be a mediator between any of the personality traits and IA. These findings suggest that high neuroticism and low conscientiousness are important indicators for IA in Dutch adolescents. As PSS was not found to be a mediator, there is a need to find alternative points of intervention for those with at-risk personalities. Future research should focus on replication with a bigger sample, and the use of multiple informants and assessment tools.Show less

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The associations of neuroticism and conscientiousness with internet addiction in Dutch adolescents: exploring the mediating role of perceived social support