Sensation seeking, drinking motives, and going out mediate the link between eveningness and alcohol use and problems in adolescence.

The present study was aimed at obtaining a more comprehensive understanding of the possible mediating factors in the morningness-eveningness → alcohol consumption relation. We explored the role of mediators such as sensation seeking, the frequency of going out in the evenings, and drinking motives. We tested the proposed mediation model via structural equation modeling based on cross-sectional research conducted among Hungarian adolescents and young adults (N = 1695, 42.5% male, Mage = 18.98, SDage = 1.89). The outcomes included the frequency of alcohol consumption and problematic drinking. Both alcohol consumption and problematic drinking were predicted in similar directions and magnitudes by sensation seeking, "going out," and coping drinking motives. However, eveningness still had a significant direct effect on alcohol consumption and problematic drinking after we controlled for sensation seeking, going out, and drinking motives. For problematic drinking, the possible role of drinking motives seems to be higher and more complex than it is for alcohol consumption. The mediators, such as sensation seeking, the amount of time spent out in the evenings, and drinking motives, can explain the eveningness → alcohol consumption relationship and should be targeted for alcohol prevention programs among evening-type adolescents.

Severity of behavioral addiction symptoms among young adults using non-prescribed sedatives/hypnotics.

Introduction: Young adulthood is considered a critical period in terms of non-medical use of sedatives/hypnotics (NMUSH) as well as different types of behavioral addictions (BAs). However, the relationship between these behaviors has received scarce attention among young adult samples. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the association between NMUSH and symptoms of distinct BAs among young adults. Materials and methods: Analyses were conducted based on the data of two large sample studies (including a representative sample) carried out with young adult samples. The following BAs were assessed: problematic internet use, problematic video gaming, problematic social media use, problem gambling, exercise addiction, eating disorders, compulsive buying behavior, problematic mobile phone use, work addiction, and hair pulling. Symptoms of distinct BAs were analyzed in three groups formed based on the NMUSH: non-users, lifetime users, and current users. Results: The symptoms of problematic internet use, problematic social media use, problem gambling, exercise addiction, eating disorders, compulsive buying behavior and work addiction were significantly more severe among lifetime and/or current non-medical sedative and hypnotic users, compared to the non-user participants. The symptoms of problematic mobile phone use were the most severe in the non-user group. Conclusions: The results suggest co-occurrence between NMUSH and distinct BAs among young adults. These findings draw attention to the need for preventive interventions for this high-risk population.

The measurement of substance use disapproval: different information capacity of disapproval of licit and illicit psychoactive substances along a spectrum of substance use disapproval.

Objectives: Approval/disapproval of substance use behavior might have a role in the development and persistence of substance use. However, less is known about the measurement function of disapproval of using different types of psychoactive substances. By using item response analyses, the present study aimed to examine the latent structure as well as item-level measurement properties of the construct of substance use disapproval. Methods: Nationally representative adult samples derived from the National Survey on Addiction Problems in Hungary from 2015 (N=2274) and 2019 (N=1385) were used in the present study. Dichotomous items measured the disapproval of eleven forms of substance use, such as smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol and different forms of illicit drug use. Results: A unidimensional measurement model of substance use disapproval was supported. Item response analyses indicated that disapproval of alcohol use and cigarette smoking had moderate discrimination capacity and were located at moderately low-moderately high levels of the substance use disapproval continuum, whereas illicit substance use forms had high-very high discrimination capacities and were ranged at low-very low levels of the disapproval spectrum. Disapproval of experimenting with heroin, ecstasy and designer stimulants had the highest information capacity in 2015, whereas in 2019 disapproval of experimenting with synthetic cannabinoids and experimenting with and using occasionally cannabis were the most informative. Conclusions: Less permissive attitudes were shown for all forms of illicit drug use compared to alcohol and cigarette use. Discrimination and difficulty levels of disapproval of substance use might be associated with legal status of psychoactive substances. (Neuropsychopharmacol Hung 2022; 24(2): 85­94)

FOXN3 and GDNF Polymorphisms as Common Genetic Factors of Substance Use and Addictive Behaviors.

Epidemiological and phenomenological studies suggest shared underpinnings between multiple addictive behaviors. The present genetic association study was conducted as part of the Psychological and Genetic Factors of Addictions study (n = 3003) and aimed to investigate genetic overlaps between different substance use, addictive, and other compulsive behaviors. Association analyses targeted 32 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, potentially addictive substances (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and other drugs), and potentially addictive or compulsive behaviors (internet use, gaming, social networking site use, gambling, exercise, hair-pulling, and eating). Analyses revealed 29 nominally significant associations, from which, nine survived an FDRbl correction. Four associations were observed between FOXN3 rs759364 and potentially addictive behaviors: rs759364 showed an association with the frequency of alcohol consumption and mean scores of scales assessing internet addiction, gaming disorder, and exercise addiction. Significant associations were found between GDNF rs1549250, rs2973033, CNR1 rs806380, DRD2/ANKK1 rs1800497 variants, and the "lifetime other drugs" variable. These suggested that genetic factors may contribute similarly to specific substance use and addictive behaviors. Specifically, FOXN3 rs759364 and GDNF rs1549250 and rs2973033 may constitute genetic risk factors for multiple addictive behaviors. Due to limitations (e.g., convenience sampling, lack of structured scales for substance use), further studies are needed. Functional correlates and mechanisms underlying these relationships should also be investigated.

Development and validation of the Reward Deficiency Syndrome Questionnaire (RDSQ-29).

BACKGROUND: The reward deficiency syndrome (RDS) integrates psychological, neurological, and genetic factors of addictive, impulsive, and compulsive behaviors. However, to date, no instrument has been validated to assess the RDS construct. AIMS: The present study developed and tested a tool to assess RDS. METHODS: Data were collected on two college and university samples. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed on Sample 1 (N = 1726), and confirmatory analysis was conducted on an independent sample (N = 253). Impulsivity and sensation-seeking were assessed. RESULTS: Based on EFAs, a 29-item Reward Deficiency Syndrome Questionnaire (RDSQ-29) was developed, containing four subscales (lack of sexual satisfaction, activity, social concerns, and risk-seeking behavior). CFA indicated good fit (comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.941; Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.933; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.068). Construct validity analysis showed strong relationship between sensation-seeking and the RDS scale. CONCLUSION: The RDSQ-29 is an adequate scale assessing psychological and behavioral aspects of RDS. The RDSQ-29 assesses psychological and behavioral characteristics that may contribute to addictions generally.

Validating the bifactor structure of the Ruminative Thought Style Questionnaire-A psychometric study.

The Ruminative Thought Style Questionnaire (RTSQ) is a self-report measure that aims to capture rumination globally, unbiased by depressive symptoms. We explored its psychometric properties among university students (N = 1123), as the existing models about the factor structure of the RTSQ have been inconclusive. In a second study (N = 320) we tested its convergent validity compared to the Ruminative Response Scale (RRS) and its construct validity compared to the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (ZSDS). The results of Study 1 suggest that the factor structure of the RTSQ is best described with a 19-item bifactor Exploratory Structural Equation Modelling (ESEM), where most of the variance is explained by the general factor. The model was found to be invariant across genders. The correlations in Study 2 demonstrated that the RTSQ is congruent with the RRS, and that rumination captured by the RTSQ is rather maladaptive, as it was more strongly associated with the brooding subscale of the RRS than with reflective pondering. Significant positive associations were found with depressive symptoms, reaffirming the validity of the RTSQ due to the well-known association between rumination and depressive symptoms. Our results support that RTSQ assesses rumination globally, and it is a valid measure of ruminative thinking style that is rather negatively valenced but does not solely focus on depressive mood and symptoms.

[The National Survey on Addiction Problems in Hungary 2019 (NSAPH): Methodology and sample description]. / Az Országos Lakossági Adatfelvétel az Addiktológiai Problémákról 2019 (OLAAP) reprezentatív lakossági felmérés módszertana.

OBJECTIVES: This paper presents the methods and main methodological fi ndings of the third wave of data collection of the National Survey on Addiction Problems in Hungary (NSAPH). In addition to mapping the addiction problems of the Hungarian population and monitoring the general population addiction trends in Hungary, the research formulates objectives for the development of the methodology used in addiction research. The study presents the measurement tools used in the research, the sampling and data collection strategy, as well as the methodological results related to sample access and the reliability and validity of the applied measurement tools used. METHODS: The research was carried out on a nationally representative sample of the Hungarian adult population aged 16-64 yrs (gross sample 1800, net sample 1385 persons). The extent of the theoretical margin of error in the sample is ±2,6%, at a reliability level of 95%. Sample attrition was corrected by matrix weighting by layer categories. The research aimed at studying the different type substance use behaviours (smoking, alcohol use and other psychoactive substances) as well as several behavioural addictions (problematic internet use, problematic online gaming, problematic social media use, problematic gambling, exercise addictions, eating disorders, work addiction, compulsive buying, problematic mobile phone use). RESULTS: Based on the analysis of reliability and the extent of non-sampling errors within the context of the database we concluded that valid and reliable statements can be formulated on the basis of the research data regarding the current characteristics and patterns of the examined addiction behaviours. At the same time, in case of psychoactive substance use the observed trends of non-sampling errors indicate that the analysis of the changes requires outstanding attention whilst interpreting them; in some cases correction procedures might become necessary during estimating and interpreting the tendencies. This wave of the research was the first which examined the reliability and validity of prevalence data related to behavioural addictions. Based on this analysis it can be said that these data are less exposed to non-sampling errors than the ones related to substance use.

[Prevalence, sociodemographic, and psychological characteristics of work addiction in the Hungarian adult population: Results of a nationally representative survey].

INTRODUCTION: Although work addiction has been first described in the 1970s, research on the field has only become intensified during the last decades. Symptoms of work addiction are similar to the characteristics of other behavioral addictions (e.g., tolerance, intrapersonal and interpersonal conflicts, and withdrawal symptoms). Until today, only one nationally representative survey was conducted (in Norway) to estimate the prevalence of work addic - tion. Our aim was to explore the prevalence of work addiction in the Hungarian population and define the possible risk and protective factors of the problem. METHODS: The study was carried out on a nationally representative sample of the Hungarian adult population aged 16-64 years (N=2274) with the age group of 18-34 being over-representing. The weighted sample of the 18-64-yearold population covered 1490 individuals. Several sociodemographic variables were collected and the following measurements were applied: Bergen Work Addiction Scale; Brief Symptom Inventory; Barratt Impulsiveness Scale; and Well-Being Inventory. RESULTS: 8% (95% CI ± 1.38%) of the Hungarian adult population currently having a job has been classified to be atrisk for work addiction, which means 4.7% (95% CI ± 1.07%) for the whole adult population. Binary logistic regression analyses identified the following risk factors: being female, higher satisfaction with the current job, dissatisfaction with the current health status, more frequent psychiatric symptoms, and a higher level of (motor) impulsiveness. CONCLUSION: We could identify several risk factors of work addiction and our results can be applied both in future research and in the practice of clinical psychology and work psychology. Our results have also highlighted that work addiction can be categorized closer to the impulsive end of the obsessive-compulsive spectrum.

Co-occurrences of substance use and other potentially addictive behaviors: Epidemiological results from the Psychological and Genetic Factors of the Addictive Behaviors (PGA) Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Changes in the nomenclature of addictions suggest a significant shift in the conceptualization of addictions, where non-substance related behaviors can also be classified as addictions. A large amount of data provides empirical evidence that there are overlaps of different types of addictive behaviors in etiology, phenomenology, and in the underlying psychological and biological mechanisms. Our aim was to investigate the co-occurrences of a wide range of substance use and behavioral addictions. METHODS: The present epidemiological analysis was carried out as part of the Psychological and Genetic Factors of the Addictive Behaviors (PGA) Study, where data were collected from 3,003 adolescents and young adults (42.6% males; mean age 21 years). Addictions to psychoactive substances and behaviors were rigorously assessed. RESULTS: Data is provided on lifetime occurrences of the assessed substance uses, their co-occurrences, the prevalence estimates of specific behavioral addictions, and co-occurrences of different substance use and potentially addictive behaviors. Associations were found between (i) smoking and problematic Internet use, exercising, eating disorders, and gambling (ii) alcohol consumption and problematic Internet use, problematic online gaming, gambling, and eating disorders, and (iii) cannabis use and problematic online gaming and gambling. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a large overlap between the occurrence of these addictions and behaviors and underlies the importance of investigating the possible common psychological, genetic and neural pathways. These data further support concepts such as the Reward Deficiency Syndrome and the component model of addictions that propose a common phenomenological and etiological background of different addictive and related behaviors.

Estimating and managing the changing methodological parameters of self-report surveys of addictive behavior - based on the waves of the National Survey on Addiction Problems in Hungary (NSAPH) in 2007 and 2015.

The standard nature of the procedures and tools of sampling and data collection cannot guarantee the stability of data reliability and validity because non-sampling errors are highly sensitive to social conditions. The present study provides a post-hoc attempt to estimate and manage the changing methodological parameters of self-report surveys of addictive behaviours (being highly subjected to changes in social conditions) to make data interpretation easier. The analysis is based on the data of two national Hungarian representative surveys assessing addiction problems in 2007 and 2015 (National Survey on Addiction Problems in Hungary [NSAPH]). Both surveys were conducted using a Hungarian nationwide representative sample aged 18-64 years applying similar procedures in data collection and -processing. Regarding data concerning substance use, both surveys included variables to estimate non-sampling errors in line with current international practices. The methodological parameters of NSAPH2015 showed an increase in non-sampling errors regarding substance use behaviour compared to NSAPH2007. The present paper elaborates an estimation procedure based on the assumption that when following a population, the proportion of people who have ever engaged in a specific type of addictive behaviour cannot be reduced in the given population over time. This also applies to cohorts followed by cross-sectional surveys among national representative samples, as far as lifetime prevalence and data on the age of first use/activity is available. To identify valid trends in different behaviours in epidemiological research assessing addictive behaviours or other sensitive data, researchers should provide the required conditions for controlling or correcting data by cohort analysis.

The Role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies in Problem Gaming Among Adolescents: A Nationally Representative Survey Study.

Explanatory theoretical models have proposed an association between problematic online gaming and abilities or strategies in alleviating distress or negative emotions in times of stress as proximal non-gaming-related personality factors. However, there is little research that has targeted how emotion regulation relates to problematic online gaming-especially during adolescence when gaming behavior is most prevalent. In emotion regulation research, there has been a particular emphasis on rumination because it is strongly associated with overall psychopathology. However, it is unknown whether this putatively maladaptive strategy relates to problematic online gaming and whether it is a gender-dependent association. Consequently, the present study examined how emotion regulation strategies, and particularly rumination, related to problem gaming and tested whether gender moderated this relationship in adolescents. In a national representative adolescent sample, 46.9% of the participants (N = 1,646) reported online gaming in the past 12 months and provided information on problematic gaming, and it was these data that were used for further analysis. Their data concerning problematic online gaming and emotion regulation strategies were analyzed, including rumination along with other putatively maladaptive (e.g., catastrophizing) and adaptive (e.g., positive reappraisal) strategies, while controlling for age, gender, and game genre preference. Results of linear regression analyses showed that all the putatively maladaptive emotion regulation strategies (including self-blame, other blame, catastrophizing, and rumination) were positively related to problematic online gaming. Positive reappraisal proved to be a protective factor; it was inversely related to problematic online gaming. In addition, the relationship between rumination and online gaming was moderated by gender (i.e., the relationship was stronger among boys). Based on the results, it is argued that emotion regulation is a useful framework to study problematic online gaming. The present study highlighted that the relative predictive value of rumination for problematic online gaming varied for boys and girls, suggesting that trait rumination might be a gender-specific vulnerability factor for problematic online gaming, but this requires further investigation and replication.

The psychological and genetic factors of the addictive behaviors (PGA) study.

OBJECTIVES: Most of the addiction studies focus on very specific aspects of addictions, often with contradictory results, and integrated studies are quite rare. Experimental studies comparing underlying mechanisms of addictions and analyzing data from an integrative psychological and genetic perspective are almost nonexistent. The aim of the present paper is to describe the research protocol of the Psychological and Genetic Factors of Addictive Behaviors (PGA) study, which applies an integrative approach to understanding the acquisition, development, and maintenance of addictive behaviors. METHODS: A wide-spectrum national study was carried out. Data were collected from 3,003 adolescents. Addictions to both psychoactive substances and behaviors were thoroughly assessed via psychometrically robust scales, which also included assessment related to a wide range of related psychological dimensions. Additionally, a DNA sample was also collected from participants. RESULTS: The paper presents the detailed methodology of the PGA study. Data collection procedures, instrumentation, and the analytical approach used to attain the research objectives are described. CONCLUSIONS: Future plans, along with potential contributions of the PGA study, are also discussed. It is envisaged that the study will provide a unique opportunity to test possible mechanisms and causal pathways mediating the associations of genetic factors, psychological characteristics, and addictions.

[The methodology and sample description of the National Survey on Addiction Problems in Hungary 2015 (NSAPH 2015)]. / Az Országos Lakossági Adatfelvétel az Addiktológiai Problémákról 2015 (OLAAP 2015) reprezentatív lakossági felmérés módszertana és a minta leíró jellemzoi.

This paper introduces the methods and methodological findings of the National Survey on Addiction Problems in Hungary (NSAPH 2015). Use patterns of smoking, alcohol use and other psychoactive substances were measured as well as that of certain behavioural addictions (problematic gambling - PGSI, DSM-V, eating disorders - SCOFF, problematic internet use - PIUQ, problematic on-line gaming - POGO, problematic social media use - FAS, exercise addictions - EAI-HU, work addiction - BWAS, compulsive buying - CBS). The paper describes the applied measurement techniques, sample selection, recruitment of respondents and the data collection strategy as well. Methodological results of the survey including reliability and validity of the measures are reported. The NSAPH 2015 research was carried out on a nationally representative sample of the Hungarian adult population aged 16-64 yrs (gross sample 2477, net sample 2274 persons) with the age group of 18-34 being overrepresented. Statistical analysis of the weight-distribution suggests that weighting did not create any artificial distortion in the database leaving the representativeness of the sample unaffected. The size of the weighted sample of the 18-64 years old adult population is 1490 persons. The extent of the theoretical margin of error in the weighted sample is ±2,5%, at a reliability level of 95% which is in line with the original data collection plans. Based on the analysis of reliability and the extent of errors beyond sampling within the context of the database we conclude that inconsistencies create relatively minor distortions in cumulative prevalence rates; consequently the database makes possible the reliable estimation of risk factors related to different substance use behaviours. The reliability indexes of measurements used for prevalence estimates of behavioural addictions proved to be appropriate, though the psychometric features in some cases suggest the presence of redundant items. The comparison of parameters of errors beyond sample selection in the current and previous data collections indicates that trend estimates and their interpretation requires outstanding attention and in some cases even correction procedures might become necessary.

[Iowa Gambling Task: illustration of a behavioral measurement]. / Iowa Gambling Task: egy viselkedéses méroeszköz bemutatása.

The Iowa Gambling Task is a behavioral measurement which was developed to examine decision-making based on the Somatic Marker Hypothesis. Participants have to make series of choices altogether 100 times from four decks of cards. The decks have different characteristics with regards to gains and losses. After the initial analyses - with a focus on patients with damage to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex - the tool soon became one of the most frequently used technique of measuring hot executive functions. It is also used to measure impulsivity. Structures involved in decision-making constitute the neural basis of the Task. IGT is applied in several different disorders (in connection with decision-making and impulsivity as well). In recent years different versions have been developed, and these modifications may have different effects on IGT performance, and may also influence what the Task measures exactly. With growing empirical evidence several questions have arisen in connection with the composition of the decks (gain-loss magnitude vs. frequency, prominent deck B phenomenon) which suggest to use other indexes as well besides the net scores.

Psychometric properties of the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test in Hungarian samples of adolescents and young adults.

AIM: The aim of our study was to analyze psychometric properties of the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST). METHODS: Our sample comprised Hungarian high school (n = 476; male 56.3%; mean age 19.0 years, SD = 0.65 years) and college students (n = 439; male 65.1%; mean age 23.9 years, SD = 1.56 years) who reported cannabis use in the past year. The sample covered the five biggest universities of Hungary. Besides the CAST, participants responded to the Munich-Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Factor structure was analyzed by a confirmatory factor analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was made to assess cut-off scores. Data collection took place in 2010. RESULTS: CAST proved to be a reliable (Cronbach's α 0.71 and 0.76) one-dimensional measure. Regarding both cannabis dependence and cannabis use disorders, a cut-off of 2 points proved to be ideal in both samples, resulting in optimal specificity, negative predictive values and accuracy, but less than optimal positive predictive values (dependence) and low sensitivity (cannabis use disorder). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: In line with former results, the CAST proved to be an adequate measure for the screening of cannabis-related problems among adolescents and young adults in an Eastern European country where this scale has not been studied before.

[The Hungarian version of the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI-HU)]. / A Szerencsejáték Probléma Súlyossága kérdoiv magyar változatának (PGSI-HU) bemutatása.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The growing availability of gambling is accompanied by the increased level of gambling related problems. As result, reliable and valid measurement tools that could quickly identify problem/pathological gambling are necessary. The goal of the study was the psychometric evaluation of the Hungarian version of Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI-HU) as well as the presentation of the first data gained by this instrument. METHODS: The administration of the instrument was conducted in Budapest on an adult sample. The sample (N=777) was recruited in lottery stores and other gambling venues. The sample consisted of 466 males and 311 females. The structural validation of the instrument was executed by confirmatory factor analysis and the concurrent validation was tested with the South Oaks Gambling Screen. RESULTS: The instrument's psychometric properties are appropriate. The majority of the sample (61.6%) is considered as non-problem gambler; 20.2 % of the sample is in the low-problem group; 11.8% is in the moderate level problem gambler category and 6.3% could be considered as pathological gambler. The results of the assessment of the concurrent validity indicate strong significant correlation among the PGSI and SOGS (r=0.802; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The PGSI-HU is a valid and reliable instrument to identify problem and pathological gambling. The measure is recommended to be used both in clinical and research settings due to its appropriate properties.