The mediating role of the boredom and loneliness dimensions in the development of Problematic Internet Use

Introduction During the last decade, a growing digitalization allowed to implement technologies in daily life activities. Conversely, increased use of general population, particularly youths, facilitated emergence new web-based psychopathologies, including Pathological Internet (PIU). Objectives Our study aims at investigating relationship between PIU and boredom as well loneliness dimensions by also focusing on association with main psychopathological symptomatology (i.e., depression, anxiety stress). Methods A nationwide population-based cross-sectional case-control was conducted recruiting sample Italian young adults (aged 18-24), using snowball sampling strategy. After data cleaning, only 1,643 participants were selected for analysis based age classified according presence/absence PIU/non-PIU. Linear regression analyses Pearson correlation check possible associations correlations stress/anxiety/depression. Subsequently, mediation regarding these relationships. Results Participants predominantly females (68.7%; n = 1,129). The mean 21.8 years (SD 1.7), ranging 20-24 years-old (88.5%; 1454). Around 41.7% (n 685) declared previous psychological issues without history professional support (psychological and/or psychiatric), while 32.7% 538) stated that they had an overt mental disorder currently receiving support. Mediation demonstrated both act mediators depression. Conclusions Further studies are needed evaluate how could be managed order alleviate youths clinically relevant depressive symptomatology. Disclosure Interest None Declared