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Bidirectional Mediating Role of Loneliness in the Association Between Shyness and Generalized Pathological Internet Use in Chinese University Students: A Longitudinal Cross-Lagged Analysis
Loneliness may link shyness and problematic internet use over time in Chinese university students
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Abstract
In a sample of 291 Chinese university students, relationships among shyness, loneliness, and generalized pathological Internet use (GPIU) were found to be dynamic and bidirectional.
- Shyness at T1 predicted increased loneliness at T2, while loneliness at T2 predicted increased shyness at T3.
- GPIU at T1 was associated with increased loneliness at T2, and loneliness at T2 was linked to increased GPIU at T3.
- Loneliness served as a bidirectional mediator in the relationship between shyness and GPIU, affecting the dynamics over time.
- The strength of relationships among shyness, loneliness, and GPIU was stronger for men compared to women.
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