Cross-lagged analysis of mindfulness traits in adolescents and internet addiction

Objective: To explore the longitudinal relationship between mindfulness traits in adolescents and symptoms of internet addiction, as well as any potential interactive effects between these two variables. Methods: A total of 1,545 adolescents were surveyed three times over a period of time. They were assessed using the Five-Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and the Internet Addiction Scale (DSFIAD). Cross-sectional panel models were used for data analysis. Results: During the transition from T1 to T2, “excessive time spent on the internet or too many visits” became the main predictor of internet addiction (out-EI = 1.35). During the transition from T1 to T3, the problem shifted to “inability to control one’s urge to use the internet” (out-EI = 2.46). The dimension of mindfulness also played a role in this transition…