Exploring the links between alexithymia and cognitive emotion regulation strategies in internet addiction: A network analysis model

Hongge Luo; Hongge Luo; Xun Gong; Xiaomei Chen; Jianing Hu; Xiaoyi Wang; Yekun Sun; Jiating Li; Shaobo Lv; Xiujun Zhang

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.938116

Frontiers in Psychology (Aug 2022)

Exploring the links between alexithymia and cognitive emotion regulation strategies in internet addiction: A network analysis model

Hongge Luo,
Hongge Luo,
Xun Gong,
Xiaomei Chen,
Jianing Hu,
Xiaoyi Wang,
Yekun Sun,
Jiating Li,
Shaobo Lv,
Xiujun Zhang

Affiliations

Hongge Luo: School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
Hongge Luo: College of Psychology, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
Xun Gong: College of Psychology, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
Xiaomei Chen: The Department of Marxist Teaching, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
Jianing Hu: College of Psychology, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
Xiaoyi Wang: College of Psychology, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
Yekun Sun: College of Psychology, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
Jiating Li: College of Psychology, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
Shaobo Lv: College of Psychology, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
Xiujun Zhang: School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.938116
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 13

Abstract

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Alexithymia and emotion regulation are closely related to internet addiction. However, no research has examined how the different components of alexithymia are associated with cognitive emotion regulation in the context of multi-strategy use in internet addiction. The current study aimed to investigate the relation between alexithymia and cognitive emotion regulation in individuals with internet addiction via network analysis. Participants included 560 students with Young’s Internet Addiction Test scores greater than 50 points; they were also asked to complete the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ). The results revealed two bridge nodes emerging within the combined alexithymia and cognitive emotion regulation network model: “catastrophizing” and “externally oriented thoughts.” These findings indicate a more specific relation between alexithymia and cognitive emotion regulation and provide empirical evidence for targeted prevention and targeted interventions for internet addiction.

Published in Frontiers in Psychology

ISSN: 1664-1078 (Online)
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Philosophy. Psychology. Religion: Psychology
Website: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology

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Abstract

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