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Addictive behaviors and personality traits in adolescents

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 August 2015

Donato Munno ,
Marta Saroldi ,
Elisa Bechon ,
Sara Chiara Maria Sterpone  and
Giuseppina Zullo
Donato Munno*
Affiliation:
Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
Marta Saroldi
Affiliation:
Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
Elisa Bechon
Affiliation:
Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
Sara Chiara Maria Sterpone
Affiliation:
Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
Giuseppina Zullo
Affiliation:
Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
*
*Address for correspondence: Prof. Donato Munno, SSCVD Liaison Clinical Psychology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Via Cherasco, 11, 10126 Turin, Italy. (Email: donato.munno@unito.it)
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Abstract

Introduction

Behavioral addictions refer to repeated dysfunctional behaviors that do not involve the ingestion of addictive substances. Studies on the association between behavioral addictions and personality traits have noted in individuals with problematic behaviors a high proclivity toward impulsivity and sensation-seeking and a low predisposition to harm avoidance. The majority of these studies have focused on adults, while far fewer have involved adolescents.

Methods

The study population was 109 high school students (age range 15–18 years) in Turin, Italy. Participants completed an assessment that comprised a demographic questionnaire and 3 self-report questionnaires: the Shorter PROMIS Questionnaire (SPQ), the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and the Multidimensional Questionnaire for Adolescents (QMA).

Results

A gender-related difference in the risk of developing an addictive behavior was observed, with a significantly higher percentage of risk seen for several addiction tendencies among the males. Statistically significant correlations emerged between some personality determinants and certain addictive behaviors.

Discussion

The study pinpoints epidemiological indicators for the extent of this growing problem among adolescents.

Conclusions

The findings have implications for identifying protection factors and risk factors for addictive behaviors and related psychiatric disorders, and the development of primary prevention strategies derived from such factors.

Keywords

Adolescencebehavioral addictionIATQMASPQ
Type
Original Research
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 21 , Issue 2 , April 2016 , pp. 207 - 213
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2015 

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Footnotes

We wish to thank Prof. Beppe Rocca, who provided valuable statistical consulting, and the students, their teachers, and parents for participating in this study.

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