The previous research on personality and problematic Internet use (PIU) has predominantly, if not exclusively, focused on their direct associations with cross-sectional designs. Based on four annual waves of data from 2,516 Chinese college students, this study examined the mediating role of maladaptive cognitions over Internet use in the associations between personality traits (i.e., neuroticism, extraversion, and psychoticism) and PIU. Results indicated that these personality traits assessed at year 2 (i.e., the second college year) were indirectly associated with PIU at year 4 via maladaptive cognitions over Internet use at year 3. The indirect associations were robust after controlling for PIU at year 2, depression and anxiety at year 4, and a series of demographic covariates at year 1. Such findings highlight various personality traits as critical antecedents of PIU. Furthermore, identifying maladaptive cognitions over Internet use as a mechanism explaining the associations between personality traits and PIU may facilitate more targeted and effective intervention efforts.
Keywords: Chinese college students; maladaptive cognitions over Internet use; personality; problematic Internet use.