Self-regulation profiles in addictive behaviors among adolescents: A transdiagnostic approach

Eva Van Malderen, Lien Goossens, Laurence Claes, Tom F. Wilderjans, Eva Kemps, Sandra Verbeken

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Dual-pathway models suggest that poor self-regulation (immature regulatory combined with strong reactive processes) is an important factor underlying addictive behaviors among adolescents. This study examined whether there are different self-regulation profiles among community adolescents, and how these profiles are related to the presence, severity and comorbidity of different addictive behaviors. A community sample of 341 adolescents (54.5% female; 13–17 years) was recruited. Participants self-reported on regulatory (inhibitory control) and reactive (reward and punishment sensitivity) processes, as well as on different addictive behaviors (binge eating, tobacco-, cannabis- and alcohol use, gaming, gambling and pathological buying). A model-based clustering analysis found evidence for three meaningful profiles: ‘impulsive/under-controlled’, ‘anxious’ and ‘protective’. The ‘impulsive/under-controlled’ profile was characterized by the highest prevalence and severity of cannabis use and the most severe alcohol use. The ‘impulsive/under-controlled’ and ‘protective’ profiles demonstrated the highest prevalence and severity of tobacco use, whereas the ‘impulsive/under-controlled’ and ‘anxious’ profiles showed the highest binge eating scores. Adolescents who reported more than three types of addictive behaviors generally belonged to the ‘impulsive/under-controlled’ profile. The profiles did not differ for gaming, gambling and pathological buying. The ‘impulsive/under-controlled’ profile emerged as the most vulnerable profile in the context of addictive behaviors (especially for binge eating and substance use).

Original languageEnglish
Article number107128
Number of pages13
JournalAppetite
Volume192
Early online date18 Nov 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2024

Keywords

  • Addictive behaviors
  • Adolescents
  • Dual-pathway perspective
  • Self-regulation
  • Transdiagnostic

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Self-regulation profiles in addictive behaviors among adolescents: A transdiagnostic approach'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this