The moderating effect of understanding advertising intent on the relation between advertising recognition and problematic use of loot boxes among minors: An exploratory study.

The use of loot boxes has been compared to gambling due to its random nature, with the consequent risk of being conceived as an ordinary activity implemented in the daily routine. One of the factors contributing to these gambling behaviors is exposure to gambling advertisements. It is essential to protect children and adolescents from prejudicial advertising, since due to their psycho-evolutionary development, advertising makes them impressionable and suggestible. Currently, there is scarcely any research on the influence of advertising on underage buyers of loot boxes. Knowledge in this regard is important to adequately address efforts to protect minors from the potential impact of gambling and its advertising. Thus, this study aims to examine how understanding advertising intent in loot box advertising moderates the relationship between the recognition of loot box advertising and the problematic usage of loot boxes in a sample of adolescents. The present study used a cross-sectional design, and the sample is composed by 451 adolescents (85.8 % male) that played videogames and purchased loot boxes in the last 12 months. Results indicated that understanding advertising intent played a moderating role in the relationship between advertising recognition and Problematic Use of Loot Boxes, strengthening it positively. The findings showed that when there was a low degree of understanding advertising intent, the former relationship was not significant. However, with a high level of understanding advertising intent the relationship between advertising recognition and Problematic Use of Loot Boxes was significant and strengthened. This means that knowing how ads try persuading the player affects how adverts are linked to PULB. Specifically, if adolescents understand that ads are trying to sell them loot boxes, this knowledge makes the relationship between seeing ads and having PULB stronger. These results are of interest for advertising literacy strategies.

The Mediating Role of Problematic Use of Loot Boxes Between Internet Gaming Disorder and Online Gambling Disorder: Cross-Sectional Analytical Study.

Background: The video game industry has introduced a new form of monetization through microtransactions. A controversial example has been the so-called "loot boxes" (LBs) as virtual objects, which are randomized and bought with legal money. In recent years, LBs have come to connect 2 distinct problem behaviors, namely internet gaming disorder (IGD) and online gambling disorder (OGD). Many association studies have been conducted on the 3 constructs, but few have delved into the relationship of problematic use of LBs (PU-LB) with IGD and OGD. Objective: This study aims to explore the mediating role of the PU-LB between IGD and OGD. Methods: This cross-sectional and analytical study used incidental sampling in 24 Spanish schools. The final sample consisted of 542 participants (male: n=523, 96.5%; age: range 11-30 y) who played video games, bought LBs, and had gambled online in the last 12 months. Participants then completed the Spanish versions of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form, Online Gambling Disorder Questionnaire, and PU-LB scale. Results: IGD scores were found to be significantly associated with both PU-LB (r=0.473, P<.001) and OGD (r=0.209, P<.001). Moreover, PU-LB was significantly associated with OGD (r=0.351, P<.001). The structural equation model results indicated that IGD had no significant direct effect on OGD (P=.903). However, the indirect effect of IGD on OGD through PU-LB was significant (P<.001). Therefore, PU-LB fully mediated the relationship between IGD and OGD. Furthermore, these results were found in the subsamples of both minors (<18 y) and young adults (≥18 y). Conclusions: It is suggested that there is a mediation effect of problematic LB use between internet gambling and online gambling problems in both minors and young adults. This has potential practical implications by providing more evidence on how LBs have become a hinge feature between 2 clinically relevant and independent issues. In this regard, adequate industry self-regulation is needed, and effective legislation for the protection of minors is necessary.

Hospital admissions in adolescents with mental disorders in Spain over the last two decades: a mental health crisis?

Mental disorders account for a large and increasing health burden worldwide. Characterizing the spectrum of mental disorders and trends over time in adolescents should influence education policies and support preventative strategies at schools. Retrospective study of all hospitalizations in Spain in adolescents 11-18-years old, including mental disorders as diagnosis using the Spanish National Registry of Hospital Discharges. Information was retrieved from 2000 to 2021. During the 22-year study period there were 2,015,589 hospitalizations in adolescents in Spain, of which 118,609 (5.9%) had mental disorders. The rate of psychiatric diagnoses significantly increased from 3.9% in 2000 to 9.5% in 2021. Females accounted for 55.1% of admissions. Mean age at admission declined from 17 to 15 years-old from 2000 to 2021. Mean hospital stay was 10.6 days. Mean in-hospital mortality was 0.24%. By rate order, diagnoses were: substance use disorders (SUD) (40%) > eating disorders (15%) > anxiety/posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (13%) > attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (9%) > major depression (8%) > schizophrenia/psychosis (6%) > autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (6%) > sleep disorder (3%) > suicidal behavior (2%) > sexual disorders (1%). A significant gender dichotomy was noticed, with female predominance for internalizing disorders (i.e., anxiety, depression, suicidal behavior and eating disorders) whereas externalizing disorders (i.e., SUD, ADHD, ASD, schizophrenia and other psychoses) predominated in males. Suicidal behavior and male sex were independent predictors of in-hospital death in multivariate analysis. After the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitalizations due to mental disorders in adolescents increased by 51% in 2021. There is a growing crisis of mental health among adolescents in Spain. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has unveiled the high rate and severity of psychiatric disorders among youth, a steadily increase has occurred since the beginning of the millennium. Primary preventative strategies should be adapted to distinct and more prevalent mental disorders in adolescents.

Trends in suicidal behavior among hospitalized adolescents in Spain over two decades.

BACKGROUND: Suicide ranks as a leading cause of premature death among adolescents globally. Understanding the trends and key determinants of suicidal behavior in youth are critical for implementing educational policies and supporting preventive strategies in schools. METHODS: This retrospective study examined all hospitalizations due to suicidal behavior in children and adolescents aged 11 to 18 years in Spain, using data from the Spanish National Registry of Hospital Discharges spanning 2000 to 2021. RESULTS: Over the 22-year study period, there were 2,015,589 hospitalizations among adolescents in Spain, with 118,609 (5.9 %) cases involving mental disorders. There were 2855 admissions with suicidal behavior, constituting 2.4 % of the hospitalizations among youth with mental disorders. Girls represented 73.4 % of all hospitalizations, with a median age of 16 years. Admissions for suicidal behavior saw a four-fold increase during the last decade (p < 0.001). The in-hospital mortality rate for adolescents with suicidal behavior doubled that of those hospitalized for other mental disorders. During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, admissions of adolescents with suicidal behavior decreased, only to surge by 2.5-fold during 2021. CONCLUSION: Hospital admissions for suicidal behavior among adolescents have risen in Spain over the last two decades. Girls represented 73.4 % of these admissions, yet in-hospital mortality was more frequent in boys.

Peer cybervictimization and cyberaggression as a function of developmental stage during adolescence: A preliminary study.

Peer cybervictimization and cyberaggression are educational and social concerns which have been extensively studied during adolescence but there is less research conducted specifically across all stages of adolescence (early, middle, late, and emerging adulthood). The objective was to analyse the prevalence of cybervictimization and cyberaggression, the roles, and the associated behaviors, depending on the stages of adolescence. The sample was composed of 7295 non-university Spanish adolescents, between 11 and 22 years old from 47 schools. The frequency of cybervictimization and cyberaggression was 22.5 % and 15 %, respectively. The highest frequencies are found in late adolescence and the lowest in emerging adulthood. Mainly, involvement increases from early to late adolescence and decreases in emerging adulthood. The magnitude of cybervictimization and cyberaggression behaviors for the roles of pure cybervictim and pure cyberaggressor is similar through all stages.

Solicitation and Sexualized Interactions of Minors with Adults: Prevalence, Overlap with Other Forms of Cybervictimization, and Relationship with Quality of Life.

Sexual solicitation and sexualized interaction with minors by adults constitute one of the most pernicious risks of the Internet. Little is known about the age range in which this phenomenon is most prevalent or the relationship and overlap of this problem with other risks, such as peer-to-peer cybervictimization and cyber dating abuse. Additionally, little empirical evidence exists on whether the overlap between these types of online victimization affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to: 1) analyze the prevalence of sexual solicitation and interaction according to sex and stage of adolescence; 2) relate this problem to other forms of online victimization (cybervictimization and cyber dating abuse); 3) analyze the overlap between these forms of online victimization and differences in HRQoL scores. A cross-sectional and analytical study with 3,578 adolescents (52.7% girls) aged between 10-15 years was carried out. Of the adolescents in the study sample, 12.6% (n = 448) had received sexual requests and 6.4% (n = 230) had interacted sexually with adults. Sexual solicitation was most common among girls in middle adolescence. Of the participants, 33.9% (n = 1,216) had been involved in some form of online victimization. Peer cybervictimization and cyber dating abuse were positively and significantly correlated with sexualized solicitation/interactions with adults. Victims with the overlapping of all three types of online victimization (2.7%, n = 98) presented the lowest HQRoL scores (p < .001).

La solicitación e interacción sexual con menores por parte de adultos constituyen uno de los riesgos más perniciosos de Internet. Se sabe poco sobre la franja de edad en el que es más frecuente o sobre la relación y el solapamiento de este problema con otros riesgos, como la cibervictimización entre iguales y el abuso online en la pareja. Además, existen pocas evidencias empíricas sobre si el solapamiento entre estos tipos de victimización afecta a la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS). Los objetivos de este estudio fueron: 1) analizar la prevalencia de la solicitación/interacción sexual en función del sexo y la etapa de la adolescencia, 2) relacionar esta problemática con la cibervictimización entre iguales y el abuso online en la pareja, 3) analizar el solapamiento entre estas formas de victimización online y sus diferencias en las puntaciones de CVRS. Se trata de un estudio transversal y analítico con 3,578 adolescentes (52.7% chicas) entre 10-15 años. El 12.6% (n = 448) habían recibido solicitaciones sexuales y el 6.4% (n = 230) había interactuado sexualmente con adultos. La solicitación sexual fue más frecuente en chicas en la adolescencia media. Un 33.9% (n = 1,216) había sufrido algún tipo de victimización online. La cibervictimización entre iguales y el abuso online en la pareja correlacionaron positiva y significativamente con solicitaciones/interacciones sexualizadas con adultos. Las víctimas que solaparon los tres tipos de victimización online (2.7%, n = 98) presentaron las puntuaciones de CVRS más bajas (p < .001).

Domoic Acid Oxidative Effects on the Microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum.

Domoic acid (DA) is a natural occurring marine biotoxin. Oxidative stress generation due to DA exposure was reported in animals, but little is known on the phytoplankton community. The aim of this work was to verify whether exposure to DA in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum favors reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the intracellular environment modifying its antioxidant capacity. Active species production, non-enzymatic antioxidant content, and antioxidant enzyme activities over the three growth phases of P. tricornutum exposed to 64 µM DA were evaluated. Results obtained in exponential growing cells showed a time-depending seven-fold increase in the 2',7' dichlorofluorescein diacetate dye oxidation rate. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities showed a two-fold increase, and glutathione related enzymes activities were also significantly increased in treated diatoms as compared to controls. However, glutathione and ascorbate contents significantly decreased after incubation of the cells with DA. Similar effects were observed in latent and stationary phases of cell development. These results showed that DA could cause a severe oxidant-dependent impact on a non-toxic algae.

The Protective Role of Dispositional Mindfulness on Cyber Dating Abuse: A 6-Month Longitudinal Study.

Dispositional mindfulness has been related to a decreased propensity to aggressive behaviors toward others, including dating partners. Nevertheless, research in the context of romantic relationships is scarce, based on cross-sectional designs and offline (face to face) aggression. Thus, this 6-month longitudinal study seeks to fill a gap in the literature by examining the predictive role of dispositional mindfulness facets (observing, describing, acting with awareness, non-judging, and non-reacting) in the perpetration of cyber dating abuse (CDA) behaviors in adolescents. The moderator role of the dispositional mindfulness facets in the perpetuation over time of cyber aggression toward the partner was also explored. Participants were 501 high school students (54.1% girls; mean age: 14.17 years, SD = 1.39) from different regions of Spain who completed self-report measures about CDA and dispositional mindfulness at two time points with a 6-month interval between them. Path analysis showed that the acting with awareness mindfulness facet predicted a decrease in the perpetration of CDA 6 months later. Moreover, non-reacting showed a moderator role in the perpetuation over time of CDA. In particular, adolescents with higher scores on non-reacting, evidenced a lower perpetuation of CDA. Mindfulness-based interventions can be a valuable tool in preventing cyber aggression that occurs in adolescent dating relationships.

Epidemiology of peer cybervictimization and its relationship with health-related quality of life in adolescents: A prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Research focused on the association between peer cybervictimization and declining health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is scarce. Currently, few longitudinal studies find an association between these phenomena, and none focus on cybervictimization profiles. The main objectives are: (1) to analyze the point and period prevalence, and incidence of cybervictimization profiles (uninvolved, new, ceased, intermittent, and stable cybervictims); (2) to study the relationship between cybervictimization and HRQoL over time; (3) to determine the longitudinal impact on the HRQoL of each type of profile. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in three waves over 13 months. A total of 1142 adolescents aged 11-18 years participated in all the waves (630 girls, 55.2%). RESULTS: The prevalence of victimization for the three waves was 21.6% (Wave 1; W1), 23.5% (W2), and 19.6% (W3), respectively. The period prevalence was 41.3%, and the accumulated incidence was 25.1%. It was found that 24% of the participants were new victims, 5.9% were intermittent victims, and 6% were stable victims. Being a cybervictim at W1 poses a relative risk of 1.73 [1.29-2.32], that is, a twofold increased risk of presenting a low HRQoL 13 months later compared to those who are not cybervictims. CONCLUSION: One in four adolescents became a new cybervictim during the 13 months of the study. The adolescents who presented poorer HRQoL were the stable cybervictims.

Problematic Internet use and Internet gaming disorder: Overlap and relationship with health-related quality of life in adolescents. / Uso problemático de Internet y trastorno de juego por Internet: Solapamiento y relación con la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en adolescentes.

General Problematic Internet Use (GPIU) is a dysfunctional use of Internet handling and management in general. In contrast, Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is a specific behaviour linked to online videogames. Both problems are becoming common in adolescents, but they have hardly been studied simultaneously, and the joint relationship of the two constructs with Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is unknown. The general objective of this study is to analyse the relationship between GPIU and IGD and their association with HRQoL. The study is analytical and cross-sectional with 2,024 participants (46.4% boys, n = 939) from 16 schools of 7 Spanish regions. The mean age and standard deviation were 14.20±1.42, with a range of 11-18 years. The Spanish versions of the KIDSCREEN-10, the Revised Generalized and Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale were used. Of the total sample evaluated, 15.5% of the participants had high levels of GPIU, and 3.3% of video game players presented IGD. The dimensions of GPIU are strongly associated with those of IGD. HRQoL correlated significantly and negatively with all the dimensions of GPIU and IGD (p <.001). Participants who reported problems with GPIU or IGD, individually or conjointly, had significantly lower scores in HRQoL than those with no problems.

El Uso problemático general de Internet (GPIU) supone un uso disfuncional del manejo y la gestión de Internet en general. En cambio, el Trastorno de juego por Internet (IGD) es una conducta específica vinculada a los videojuegos en línea. Ambos problemas comienzan a ser frecuentes en adolescentes, pero apenas han sido estudiados simultáneamente ni se conoce el papel conjunto de ambos constructos sobre Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS). El objetivo general de este estudio es analizar la relación entre el GPIU y el IGD y su asociación con la CVRS. El estudio es analítico y transversal con 2024 participantes (46,4% chicos, n = 939) procedentes de 16 colegios en 7 regiones españolas. La media de edad y desviación típica fue de 14,20±1,42 en un rango de 11-18 años. Se usaron las versiones españolas del KIDSCREEN-10, del Revised Generalized and Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 y del Internet Gaming Disorder Scale. Un 15,5% del total de la muestra evaluada reportó niveles altos de GPIU y un 3,3% de los jugadores de videojuegos presentó IGD. Las dimensiones del GPIU están altamente asociadas a las del IGD. La CVRS correlacionó significativa y negativamente con todas las dimensiones del GPIU y del IGD (p <,001). Los participantes que reportaron problemas en el GPIU o el IGD, individual o conjuntamente, presentan puntuaciones significativamente más bajas en la CVRS.

Loot box engagement: A scoping review of primary studies on prevalence and association with problematic gaming and gambling.

BACKGROUND: Loot boxes are an increasingly common type of random microtransaction in videogames. There is some concern about their expansion and entailed risks, especially among adolescents. The actual prevalence of engagement with loot boxes among child and adult population is uncertain, and there is still controversy over the nature of their relationship with problematic gaming and gambling. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this scoping review are to summarize the characteristics and findings of published primary empirical studies about the prevalence of engagement with loot boxes and/or their relationship with problematic gaming and gambling, taking in account the type of sample, time frame and measured variables. METHODS: This study follows the Joanna Briggs Institute's "Guidance for conducting systematic scoping reviews" and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Three academic databases provided 299 articles. RESULTS: Sixteen primary empirical studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. All studies used cross-sectional designs, and most used convenience samples. Twelve study samples were comprised exclusively of gamers, and two were comprised of gamers and/or gamblers. Only six studies included adolescents. The annual prevalence rate of loot box purchases was higher for adult gamers than for adolescents (22.7%-44.2% and 20%-33.9%, respectively), but in studies with general population samples, the opposite was true (24.9% for players aged 13-14 versus 7.8% for adults). In general, the studies suggested a significant positive relationship between engagement with loot boxes and problematic gaming and gambling, but this may be related to the type of engagement (open/purchase/sell), and the characteristics of the study participants (male/female, adolescents/adults, gamers/gamers-gamblers/general population). CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review summarizes the results of recent empirical studies on engagement with loot boxes and discusses how methodological issues may affect their results and interpretation. Recommendations for future research are also provided.

Problematic online gambling among adolescents: A systematic review about prevalence and related measurement issues.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Despite its illegality among adolescents, online gambling is a common practice, which puts their mental health and well-being at serious risk. This systematic review summarises international scientific literature from the last 20 years on problematic online gambling among adolescents (11-21 years old) to determine its prevalence and to analyse related measurement issues. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed and a protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, IC: CRD42020162932). Five academic databases were consulted, which resulted in an initial sample of 658 papers. RESULTS: Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. All studies were cross-sectional and targeted students from elementary school, secondary school or university. Most followed a convenience sampling procedure. The primary measurement instruments used were the DSM-IV-MR-J and SOGS-RA. Between 0.77% and 57.5% of adolescents present some degree of problematic online gambling (problem, pathological or disordered) depending on the instruments used, the study samples and the timeframe analysed. Between 0.89% and 1% of adolescents exhibited an online gambling disorder. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: There is a great heterogeneity in the methodology of the reviewed studies (samples, measurement instruments, cut-off points and criteria applied). The limited number of studies and the limited generalizability of their results suggest the need for further research and for development of specific instruments to assess different levels of problematic online gambling in representative samples of adolescents based on clinical 'gold standard' criteria and more accurate cut-off points.

Single and Combined Effects of Cypermethrin and UVR Pre-Exposure in the Microalgae Phaeodactylum Tricornutum.

Coastal marine microalgae are exposed to anthropogenic pollutants, including pesticides from aquaculture/agriculture/household uses. Some microalgae species, such as Phaeodactylum tricornutum, can induce and accumulate UV-absorbing compounds (UACs) upon ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure to prevent deleterious effects. Tolerance mechanisms activated by natural stressors might also protect organisms from anthropogenic stressors. This work assesses the effects of the insecticide cypermethrin (Cyp) and UVR in the marine microalgae P tricornutum. Considering the pro-oxidant properties of both stressors and UACs' induction in P tricornutum, lethal and sublethal effects of Cyp were tested in cultures with and without UVR acclimation. After a 24-h exposure to 10 µg L-1 of technical Cyp or culture medium, UACs, growth, glutathione-S-transferase activity (GST), sulfhydryl groups (SH-g), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were analyzed. Results showed differences in terms of growth between Cyp and Cyp + UVR pre-exposure. UACs' content was induced after UVR acclimation and diminished after 24 h of growth in control and UVR pre-treated cultures, while levels remained constant under Cyp exposure. A single Cyp exposure exerted GST induction, SH-g depletion, and LPO increments. In UVR-acclimatized treatments, oxidative stress responses showed similar or more pronounced effects than the single chemical exposure, suggesting a potential additive effect of the UVR acclimation. The contrasting effects of Cyp + UVR observed between growth and biochemical responses suggest different compensatory mechanisms that need to be further investigated. Also, it highlights the need to include both lethal and sublethal endpoints to understand microalgae's tolerance and its significance in the multiple stressors' context.

A systematic review on nomophobia prevalence: Surfacing results and standard guidelines for future research.

BACKGROUND: Mobile phones allow us to stay connected with others and provide us a sense of security. We can work, chat with family and friends, take pictures, buy clothes or books, and even control home appliances. They play such a significant role in our lives that we feel anxious without them. In some cases, the relationship between humans and these communication devices have become problematic. Nomophobia (NMP) is the fear of becoming incommunicable, separated from the mobile phone and losing connection to the Internet. Since this social phobia was coined in the first decade of the XXI century, a growing number of studies have studied it and reported the prevalence of this technology-related problem. However, this research activity has generated mixed results regarding how we assess and report nomophobia and who may be at a higher risk of suffering or developing it. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of 108 studies published in English and Spanish and collected them in Parsifal. We searched for assessment and prevalence data on nomophobia. Also, we looked at gender and age differences to identify risk factors and see if these differences exist and emerge worldwide. RESULTS: In this study, we find that women and younger individuals suffer more from nomophobia. The disparity in reporting the prevalence of nomophobia is enormous since the percentages of "at-risk" participants go from 13% to 79%, and participants suffering from it are between 6% and 73%, being the score in the range of 45.5 and 93.82. Within the group of nomophobic people, moderate cases vary between 25.7% and 73.3%, and severe cases, between 1% and 87%. Such disparity is due to differences in assessment criteria. Females and young people seem to be more vulnerable to nomophobia although methodological disparity makes it difficult to reach definitive conclusions. We conclude our review by recommending some common guidelines for guiding future research.

Safety.Net: A Pilot Study on a Multi-Risk Internet Prevention Program.

Many programs exist to prevent bullying and cyberbullying. Nevertheless, despite evidence of the numerous overlapping risks of the Internet, programs that jointly and adequately address large sets of risks are not presently described in the scientific literature. This study's main objective was to assess the effectiveness of the Safety.net program in a pilot sample. This program prevents eight Internet risks: cyberbullying, sexting, online grooming, cyber dating abuse, problematic Internet use, nomophobia, Internet gaming disorder, and online gambling disorder. The Safety.net program comprises 16 sessions and 4 modules (digital skills, relational risks, dysfunctional risks, and change of attitudes and cognitions). Each session lasts one hour, but the program has a networked instructional design to recall previous content in later sessions. For its assessment, a pre/post-test repeated measures design with a control group and an intervention group was used. The study sample was 165 adolescents between 11 and 14 years old (M = 12.11, SD = 0.89). The intervention group demonstrated improvements compared to the control group concerning online grooming, problematic Internet use, Internet gaming disorder, and nomophobia. These results suggest that the Safety.net program is effective in preventing the increase of most of the assessed risks and that it reduces some of them with a small number of sessions.

An Exploratory Analysis of Different Problematic Internet Use Profiles in Cybervictims, Cyberbullies, and Cyberbully Victims.

The Internet has brought about a paradigm shift in the lives of many people, especially adolescents. While it has opened great possibilities, it has also led to various risks such as cyberbullying and problematic Internet use (PIU). These two constructs have been extensively researched individually and jointly, but the existence of different profiles of problematic use according to the role a person assumes in the context of cyberbullying has not yet been explored. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to analyze the different PIU profiles of those who have been cybervictims, cyberbullies, and cyberbully victims. An analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted on 25,341 adolescents between 10 and 18 years of age (14.60 ± 1.68). The Cyberbullying Triangulation Questionnaire (CTQ) and the Spanish version of the Generalized and Problematic Internet Use Scale-2 (GPIUS2) were used. The results indicate that cybervictims (6.4 percent), cyberbullies (4.3 percent), and cyberbully victims (2.7 percent) have different profiles of PIU (p < 0.001). Two common profiles emerge from the three roles: one of nonproblematic use and the other of severe problematic use. Participants who presented severe problematic use are the ones who obtained higher scores in cybervictimization and cyberaggression, particularly in the case of cyberbully victims. Furthermore, this profile is 7.6 (IC99 percent:6.11-9.44) times more likely to present PIU than noninvolved adolescents. These results are relevant when planning cyberbullying-focused interventions and programs because of the association between cyberbullying and general PIU.

Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q): Factorial structure and cut-off points for the Spanish version. / Cuestionario de Nomofobia (NMP-Q): Estructura factorial y puntos de corte de la versión española.

Nomophobia is a situational phobia leading to a deep, irrational, and disproportionate fear of not being able to use the smartphone. An instrumental study on the Spanish version of the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) was carried out. The objectives were: 1) To analyse its factor structure and reliability; 2) to test for the invariance of sex and age groups, and 3) to obtain specific cut-off points by sex and age non-existent to date. Sampling was incidental and non-probabilistic with 5012 participants (57.9%, females) aged 12-24 years (M = 18.04, SD = 3.3). The confirmatory factor analysis revealed a hierarchical model with four correlated factors explained by a general second-order factor. The internal validity and reliability values of the NMP-Q dimensions are satisfactory, ranging between .78, .85, .86, and .92 (Omega w). A multigroup analysis confirmed the invariance across sex and age groups. Building on the NMP-Q scores, we calculated 3 cut-off points using percentiles 15th, 80th and 95th (unnomophobic, at risk of nomophobia, and nomophobic). Females aged 12-15 years had the highest nomophobic scores. We can conclude that the proposed sex and age cut-off points will allow us to better identify nomophobic problems from a clinical point of view.

La nomofobia es una fobia situacional en la que se experimenta un miedo intenso, irracional y desproporcionado a no poder usar el smartphone. Se realizó un estudio instrumental de la versión española del cuestionario de Nomofobia (NMP-Q) con los objetivos de: 1) analizar su estructura factorial y fiabilidad; 2) analizar su invarianza con relación al sexo y la edad, y 3) obtener puntos de cortes específicos para distintas edades y sexo. El muestreo fue incidental y no probabilístico. Hubo 5012 participantes (57.9%, mujeres) de 12-24 años (M = 18,04, SD = 3,3). El análisis factorial confirmatorio mostró un modelo jerárquico de 4 factores correlacionados y explicados por uno general de segundo orden. Los índices de fiabilidad de las dimensiones del NMP-Q fueron satisfactorios oscilando entre ,78, ,85, ,86 y ,92 (Omega w). Un análisis multigrupo confirmó la invarianza por sexo y edad. A partir de las puntuaciones del NMP-Q se calcularon 3 puntos de corte siguiendo los percentiles 15, 80 y 95 (sin nomofobia, riesgo de nomofobia, y nomofóbico). Las mujeres de 12-15 años tuvieron las puntuaciones más altas en nomofobia. Podemos concluir que el NMP-Q nos permite identificar problemas de nomofobia por sexo y edad desde un punto de vista clínico.