Connected minds in disconnected bodies: Exploring the role of interoceptive sensibility and alexithymia in problematic use of the internet
Articolo
Data di Pubblicazione:
2024
Citazione:
Connected minds in disconnected bodies: Exploring the role of interoceptive sensibility and alexithymia in problematic use of the internet / F. Di Carlo, M.C. Vicinelli, M. Pettorruso, L. De Risio, G. Migliara, V. Baccolini, J. Trioni, J.E. Grant, B. Dell'Osso, G. Martinotti. - In: COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHIATRY. - ISSN 0010-440X. - 129:(2024), pp. 152446.1-152446.8. [10.1016/j.comppsych.2023.152446]
Abstract:
ntroduction: The ever-increasing prominence of the internet and digital technology in our society requires a
deeper examination of how these developments alter perception of our bodies and emotions. One such conse-
quence is the emergence of Problematic Use of the Internet (PUI) - an array of compulsive or addictive behaviors
mediated by the web that detrimentally affect an individual's functioning. This suggests that some people may be
shifting their consciousness from the physical realm to the digital world. The objective of this study was to
investigate how shortcomings in interoception (the sensibility to bodily signals) and alexithymia (an inability to
identify and express emotions) might contribute to PUI.
Methods: The Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and the Multidimensional
Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) were used to assess a sample of 1076 adolescents and young
adults aged between 16 and 26 years via an online survey. Data analysis was based on t-test, correlations and
multivariate regression.
Results: 26.8% (n = 288) of participants met the criteria for moderate PUI. Individuals with PUI displayed higher
levels of alexithymia (p < 0.001) and diminished abilities in certain aspects of interoceptive sensibility, including
placing trust in their own bodily signals (p = 0.006), not responding excessively to uncomfortable sensations
with worry (p < 0.001), and not denying them (p = 0.006). Multivariate modelling revealed associations between
PUI and the following factors: having a boyfriend/girlfriend (aOR = 5.70), substance use (aOR = 1.78), difficulty
in identifying feelings (aOR = 1.09), externally oriented thinking (aOR = 1.05), low disposition in perceiving
body sensations (aOR = 0.25), tendency to become distracted (aOR = 0.82) or excessively worried (aOR = 0.11)
in the face of pain. Furthermore, the analysis indicated how these aspects of body perception may be interrelated,
either enhancing or reducing the risk of PUI when examined individually, collectively, or in combination.
Conclusions: This study underlines the potential connection between difficulties in the mind-body interaction and
the development of PUI. It suggests a bidirectional relationship between excessive digital device use and dis-
torted bodily interoceptive processes in PUI, reinforcing the notion that individuals struggling with emotion
identification and expression may be more prone to excessive internet usage. To further comprehend the rele-
vance of these constructs in PUI, it is necessary to conduct more targeted investigations and longitudinal studies.
Tipologia IRIS:
01 - Articolo su periodico
Keywords:
Addictive behavior; Adolescents; Alexithymia; Emotions; Interoceptive sensibility; Problematic use of the internet; Young adults
Elenco autori:
F. Di Carlo, M.C. Vicinelli, M. Pettorruso, L. De Risio, G. Migliara, V. Baccolini, J. Trioni, J.E. Grant, B. Dell'Osso, G. Martinotti
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