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Exploring Deep Links: Emotional Regulation, Psychological Symptomatology, and Addictions

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A special issue of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN 2076-328X). This special issue belongs to the section "Psychiatric, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 17960

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Prof. Dr. Iciar Iruarrizaga

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Guest Editor

Department of Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Processes and Speech Therapy, Faculty of Social Work, Complutense University of Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain
Interests: addictions; attachment; emotions; early maladaptive schemas; impulsivit; interpersonal partner violence

Dr. Leticia Olave

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Health Sciences, International University of Valencia, 46002 Valencia, Spain
Interests: addictions; attachment; emotions; early maladaptive schemas; impulsivity; interpersonal partner violence

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Emotional regulation and psychological symptomatology are fundamental pillars in understanding addictions. The ability to manage and control emotions effectively is crucial for mental well-being and healthy adaptation to stressful situations. When emotional regulation is compromised, individuals may turn to substances or addictive behaviors as a way to cope with emotional distress, thus perpetuating the addiction cycle. Moreover, addictions themselves can lead to a range of emotional and psychological challenges, exacerbating the need for effective emotional regulation. Given the significance of these topics, more studies are being conducted in this area. This Special Issue focuses on emotional regulation, the variety of psychological symptoms, and addictions with and without substance.

Prof. Dr. Iciar Iruarrizaga
Dr. Leticia Olave
Guest Editors

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Keywords

emotional regulation
psychological symptomatology
drugs
behavioral addictions
alexithymia

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Moderating Effect of Language Attitude in the Interplay Among Social Media Addiction, Social Pain and Internet Trolling in College Students

by Qingshu Xu

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050586 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Viewed by 108

Abstract

This study investigates the moderating effect of language attitude on the relationships among social media addiction, social pain, and internet trolling among college students. A sample of 891 students from various colleges and universities completed validated measures assessing their levels of social media addiction, social pain, internet trolling, and language attitude. Using a latent variable approach within a multigroup structural equation modeling (SEM) framework, participants were divided into three groups (high, medium, and low language attitude) based on their language attitude scores. The SEM analysis revealed distinct patterns across groups. In the high language attitude group, both social media addiction and social pain significantly predicted internet trolling, with standardized regression coefficients of 0.564 and 0.728, respectively. In the medium language attitude group, the predictive effects remained significant; however, the magnitude of the coefficients decreased markedly (0.264 for social media addiction and 0.562 for social pain). In contrast, in the low language attitude group, neither social media addiction nor social pain emerged as significant predictors of internet trolling. Interestingly, the covariance between social media addiction and social pain remained consistent across the three groups, suggesting a stable interrelationship irrespective of language attitude level. These findings imply that language attitude plays a crucial moderating role in the interplay among social media addiction, social pain, and internet trolling. Specifically, higher levels of language attitude appear to amplify the effects of social media addiction and social pain on internet trolling behavior, while lower levels attenuate these associations. The results underscore the importance of considering individual differences in language attitudes when developing intervention strategies aimed at mitigating problematic online behaviors among college students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Deep Links: Emotional Regulation, Psychological Symptomatology, and Addictions)

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16 pages, 541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Mediating Role of Satisfaction with Life and Social Interaction Anxiety in the Relationship Between Loneliness and Regulatory Emotional Self-Efficacy

by Juncheng Guo, Mansor Abu Talib, Bolin Guo, Jiaxin Ren and Jia Liu

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 392; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15030392 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 583

Abstract

Regulatory emotional self-efficacy represents individuals’ belief in their capacity to manage emotions effectively and plays a vital role in supporting emotional well-being and adaptive functioning, particularly in university students. This study explores the influence of loneliness on regulatory emotional self-efficacy and its underlying mechanisms by incorporating two mediating variables—satisfaction with life and social interaction anxiety—within a chain mediation model. A total of 547 undergraduate students from a university located in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, participated in the survey. The findings reveal that loneliness directly impacts regulatory emotional self-efficacy; satisfaction with life mediates the effect of loneliness on regulatory emotional self-efficacy; social interaction anxiety also mediates the effect of loneliness on regulatory emotional self-efficacy; and satisfaction with life and social interaction anxiety jointly serve as chain mediators in the relationship between loneliness and regulatory emotional self-efficacy. This study sheds light on the connection between loneliness and regulatory emotional self-efficacy, offering a theoretical basis and practical guidance for improving students’ emotional regulation and overall well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Deep Links: Emotional Regulation, Psychological Symptomatology, and Addictions)

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14 pages, 685 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond Individual Differences in Affective Symptomatology: The Distinct Contributions of Emotional Competence and Rumination in a Nationally Representative Sample

by Ruth Castillo-Gualda and Juan Ramos-Cejudo

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 318; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15030318 - 6 Mar 2025

Viewed by 769

Abstract

Prior evidence suggests mental health, and affective symptomatology in particular, are influenced by emotion-related abilities. The strategies people use to identify, understand, and manage their emotions can serve as a protective or vulnerability factor for their psychological adjustment. Adaptive emotion regulation strategies, such as the ability to identify and understand emotions, can mitigate anxiety and depression symptoms, whereas maladaptive strategies, such as rumination, contribute to the vulnerability to suffering emotional symptomatology. To better understand the role of each strategy in affective outcomes, this study examines the role of adaptive emotion regulation strategies on anxiety, depression, and well-being, in comparison to rumination, among the general population. We hypothesize that the ability to accurately identify emotions and understand inner thoughts will act as protective factors against depression and anxiety, considering neuroticism. In comparison, rumination reactions, such as passively overthinking about inner experiences, will exacerbate the affective symptomatology. A sample of 1703 participants over the country, 50.43% female (18–75 years of age, mean = 45.48, SD = 14.73), closely aligned with the mean age of the target population in Spain, which is 44.1 years, were randomly selected to participate in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed self-report measures for emotional competence, rumination, anxiety and depression symptoms, well-being, and neuroticism. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to explore the relationships among the above-mentioned variables. Our results revealed neuroticism is related to higher levels of anxiety and depression and negatively related to wellbeing through the mediation effect of rumination and emotional competence, including all possible paths of the mediation model. This study has important implications for designing preventive and therapeutical interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Deep Links: Emotional Regulation, Psychological Symptomatology, and Addictions)

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17 pages, 316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Regulation, Emotional Symptomatology, Substance Use, and Social Network Addiction in Adolescent Self-Harm

by Luis Fernando López-Martínez, Eva M. Carretero, Miguel A. Carrasco and Ana M. Pérez-García

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15030257 - 23 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1027

Abstract

Background: Non-suicidal self-injurious behaviour (NSSI) is a growing concern in the field of adolescent mental health. It is thus crucial to examine the factors associated with this behaviour. Methods: A sample of 354 adolescents (51.7% boys), with a mean age of 15.01 years (ranging from 12 to 20 years), was analysed to explore the relationships between NSSI and self-regulation strategies, substance use, dependence on social networks, and symptomatology. Results: The results indicate that adolescents who engage in NSSI employ fewer adaptive emotional self-regulation strategies and exhibit more self-blame and rumination than those who do not engage in NSSI. Additionally, these adolescents show greater psychological symptomatology, more dependence on social networks, and increased substance use. Gender is also an important factor, with more girls (62.8%) than boys (37.2%) engaging in self-harm. Regression analyses show that self-harm is associated with greater symptomatology and increased substance use for boys and girls alike. For girls, self-harm is also associated with maladaptive self-regulation strategies. The variables chosen for analysis allowed us to correctly classify 89.5% of the boys who did not self-harm and 72.8% of the girls who did. Conclusions: This study offers insight into the relationships among self-regulation, digital addiction, substance use, emotional symptomatology, and NSSI in adolescents, highlighting the importance of gender. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Deep Links: Emotional Regulation, Psychological Symptomatology, and Addictions)

20 pages, 366 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Behavioral Emotion Regulation Strategies and Symptoms of Psychological Distress Among Turkish University Students

by Edib Şevki Keskiner, Ertuğrul Şahin, Nursel Topkaya and Zehra Yiğit

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15010006 - 26 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1825

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between behavioral emotion regulation strategies and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among Turkish university students. Participants consisted of 633 students continuing their university education in two different universities in Türkiye. Participants completed a data collection tool comprising a Sociodemographic Information Form, the Behavioral Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient analysis, and multivariate multiple regression analysis. The results of this study revealed that seeking distraction was negatively associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, whereas withdrawal, seeking social support, and ignoring were positively associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among university students. Additionally, actively approaching was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Overall, the findings demonstrate that university students who use maladaptive behavioral emotion regulation strategies (e.g., withdrawal, ignoring) tend to have higher levels of psychological distress, whereas university students who use adaptive emotion regulation strategies (e.g., distraction) tend to have lower levels of psychological distress. However, contrary to expectations, seeking social support was positively associated with symptoms of psychological distress. Given the paucity of research on the relationship between behavioral emotion regulation strategies and psychological distress in the Turkish cultural context, this study may contribute to identifying both universal and culturally specific strategies associated with depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms among Turkish university students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Deep Links: Emotional Regulation, Psychological Symptomatology, and Addictions)

9 pages, 487 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Addiction Memory, Family Functioning, and Depression in Illicit Drug Users: Self-Esteem as a Mediator

by Li Zeng, Xiaojun Zhou, Yuge Lei and Jiayan Chen

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 1185; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14121185 - 12 Dec 2024

Viewed by 936

Abstract

Depression is a common issue among illicit drug users. However, the interaction between addiction memory, family functioning, and depressive symptoms remains insufficiently examined. This study investigates the relationship between addiction memory, family functioning, and depressive symptoms, with self-esteem serving as a mediator. A random sample of 600 illicit drug users from Hubei, China, was evaluated using the Addiction Memory Intensity Scale (AMIS), Family APGAR Index, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). A factorial algorithm was used to parcel the AMIS, PHQ-9, and RSES items, and structural equation modeling was applied to examine the mediation effect. The model fit the data well (χ²/df = 2.248, CFI = 0.956, NNFI = 0.966, RMSEA = 0.046, SRMR = 0.040), with significant path coefficients (p < 0.05). Addiction memory was positively correlated with depression (β = 0.195, p < 0.001), while family functioning negatively correlated with depression (β = −0.113, p = 0.008). Both addiction memory and family functioning indirectly influenced depression through self-esteem, with mediating effects equal to 1.154 (95% CI: 0.106 to 0.209) and −0.097 (95% CI: −0.154 to −0.047). These findings suggest that interventions targeting addiction memory and family functioning may alleviate depressive symptoms by improving self-esteem among illicit drug users. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Deep Links: Emotional Regulation, Psychological Symptomatology, and Addictions)

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15 pages, 1253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Insecure Attachment on Emotional Dependence on a Partner: The Mediating Role of Negative Emotional Rejection

by Janire Momeñe, Ana Estévez, Mark D. Griffiths, Patricia Macía, Marta Herrero, Leticia Olave and Itziar Iruarrizaga

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 909; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14100909 - 8 Oct 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 7442

Abstract

Previous evidence has demonstrated a relationship between insecure attachment and the development of emotional dependence towards an individual’s partner. However, the possibility that this relationship may be indirect and mediated by individual factors such as difficulties in emotional regulation has not previously been explored. Consequently, the objectives of the present study were to analyze the (i) differences in emotional dependence on an individual’s partner and difficulties in emotional regulation capacity according to secure, preoccupied or dismissing attachment style and (ii) mediating role of difficulties in emotional regulation in the relationship between both insecure attachment styles and emotional dependence on an individual’s partner. The sample comprised 741 participants ranging in age from 18 to 30 years (M = 21.32, SD = 2.93). The mediations were tested with linear regressions with the macro PROCESS v4.0. The results showed that emotional dependence on a partner and difficulties in emotional regulation were greater among individuals who had developed a dismissing attachment compared those with secure or preoccupied attachment. Likewise, the mediation model confirmed the mediating role of difficulties in the capacity for emotional regulation in the relationship between dismissing attachment and emotional dependence, with rejection of negative or discomfort-generating emotions predominating. The findings provide preliminary evidence that rejection of negative emotional experiences may play an important role in the relationship between insecure dismissing attachment style and emotional dependence on an individual’s partner. Consequently, it is recommended that emotional dependence intervention programs include of the management of intolerance to negative emotions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Deep Links: Emotional Regulation, Psychological Symptomatology, and Addictions)

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9 pages, 495 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Problematic Internet Use and Depression in Young Latin American College Students

by Andrea Vázquez-Martínez, Verónica Villanueva-Silvestre, Beatriz Abad-Villaverde, Cristina Santos-González, Antonio Rial-Boubeta and Víctor José Villanueva-Blasco

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14080719 - 16 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1695

Abstract

(1) Problematic Internet use (PIU) in young people is a topic of great interest both in the field of addictions and mental health, but scientific evidence is limited in Latin America. The aim was to analyze the relationship between PIU and depression in Latin American college students. (2) Methods: The sample consisted of 1828 college students (63.7% women), aged between 18–30 years (M = 21.64 years). (3) Results: PIU was detected in 40.2% of cases, and severe or moderately severe depression in 31.7%. Rates of severe depression in students with PIU were 3.02 times higher than in those without PIU (χ2(3) = 168.443; p < 0.000). The presence of PIU was also statistically significantly higher among youth with depressive symptoms. Linear and logistic regression models for predicting PIU, show how the depression level constitutes a risk factor for PIU: seven times higher for severe depression; more than five times higher for moderate depression; and more than two times for mild depression. (4) Conclusions: There is a clear association between depression and PIU, suggesting that a higher level of depression would act as a predictor of PIU. However, this finding is exploratory. Future studies should clarify the directionality of the relationship between both variables. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Deep Links: Emotional Regulation, Psychological Symptomatology, and Addictions)

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15 pages, 701 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emotional Distress and Body Dissatisfaction: The Mediating Role of Social Media and Emotional Regulation

by Milena López-Montón, Gema Aonso-Diego and Ana Estévez

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14070580 - 9 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3697

Abstract

Background: Body dissatisfaction is defined as a negative attitude towards one’s body, characterized by emotional disorders. Currently, problematic use of social media seems to be associated with an increase in body dissatisfaction and emotional distress. Therefore, the present study examined the relationship between emotional distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress) and body dissatisfaction, as well as the mediating role of emotional regulation and problematic social media use in this relationship. In addition, the study aims to identify sex differences in the four research variables. Methods: Measures of the four variables mentioned above were administered to 2520 participants over 18 (M = 48.35; SD = 16.56, 51% females). Results: The results reveal that women reported higher levels of emotional regulation, emotional distress, body dissatisfaction, and problematic use of social media. Emotional distress correlated with problematic use of social media, emotion regulation strategies (i.e., rumination and catastrophizing), and body dissatisfaction. The relationship between emotional distress and body dissatisfaction was mediated by the problematic use of social media and emotional regulation. Conclusions: These findings underscore the relevance of educating social media users on strategies for emotional regulation. The results highlight the clinical importance of including the emotion regulation approach to a comprehensive understanding of body dissatisfaction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Deep Links: Emotional Regulation, Psychological Symptomatology, and Addictions)

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