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Study of the Domains and Facets of the Five-Factor Model of Personality in Problematic Internet Use in Adolescents

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Abstract

Over recent years, numerous studies have examined the relationship between Problematic Internet Use (PIU) and the Big Five personality traits. However, detailed studies have yet to analyze the relationship between PIU and the Five-Factor Model (FFM) while considering (1) the domains and specific facets of the FFM and (2) the components of PIU. This study analyzes data collected from 910 adolescents who were administered the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the JS-NEO-S questionnaire to measure the domains and facets of the FFM. The results show that high levels of Neuroticism and Extraversion and low levels of Agreeableness, Openness, and Conscientiousness predict PIU. This study allows for the determination of the specific facets of the Big Five that are associated with an increased risk of PIU. Furthermore, it suggests that different traits are associated with each of the PIU components: low Agreeableness predict Emotional Investment in Internet use, while high Neuroticism, high Extraversion, and low Conscientiousness predict a decrease in Performance and Time Management. Therefore, these results suggest that distinct personal mechanisms may be involved in the different dimensions making up PIU.

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Correspondence to Cristina Alonso.

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Alonso, C., Romero, E. Study of the Domains and Facets of the Five-Factor Model of Personality in Problematic Internet Use in Adolescents. Int J Ment Health Addiction 18, 293–304 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-018-9960-2

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