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2025-08-02
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How to Cite
Problematic internet use and suicidal ideation: The mediating role of sleep problems and depression
xin Ji
School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i8.3740
Keywords: problematic internet use; sleep problems; depression; suicidal ideation
Abstract
Suicidal Ideation (SI) is the thoughts and planning steps of ending one's life. Prior studies have proved the relationships between Problematic Internet Use (PIU) and SI in the adolescents. However, how Sleep Problems and Depression work as the mediating mechanism is necessary to be investigated. This study explores the chain mediated role of Sleep Problems and Depression in the relationship between PIU and SI in college students using cross-sectional data. A cross-sectional design was implemented with 579 Chinese undergraduates (Mage=18.43±0.45). Validated instruments assessed: Problematic internet use severity, sleep problem, depressive symptoms, and suicide ideation. PROCESS Macro v4.0 (Model 6) with 5,000 bootstrap samples tested the hypothesized chain mediation, controlling for gender and academic year. Sleep Problems and Depression have a significant chain mediation effect on Problematic Internet Use and Suicidal Ideation (PIU → PQSI → BDI → BSI). Our findings establish sleep problems induced depression as a critical mechanistic pathway translating PIU to SI. The results advocate for integrated prevention programs combining PIU screening (using IAT cutoff ≥ 40), cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), and depression monitoring.
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