I feel lonely and stressed: psychological flexibility and addictive behavior in college students
Current Psychology, cilt.45, sa.18, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 45 Sayı: 18
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s12144-026-10078-9
- Dergi Adı: Current Psychology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, BIOSIS, Psycinfo, Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Business Source Ultimate (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Addictive behavior, Loneliness, Stress, Psychological flexibility, College students
- Uşak Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Loneliness and addictive behavior are important factors that negatively affect the mental health of college students. Understanding the association between loneliness and addictive behavior and determining the variables that may be effective in this process is critical for developing preventive interventions. In this cross-sectional study, the mediating role of perceived stress and the moderating role of psychological flexibility in the relationship between loneliness and addictive behavior were examined. A total of 419 students from a state university in Türkiye participated in the study. Participants included 56.10% female and 43.90% male, and they ranged in age between 20 and 28 years (Mage = 25.96, SD = 2.38). The findings show that loneliness significantly and positively predicts levels of addictive behavior and perceived stress plays a partial mediating role in this relationship. In addition, psychological flexibility was found to play a moderating role in the relationship between loneliness and addictive behavior. While the relationship between loneliness and addictive behavior was stronger when psychological flexibility was low, this relationship was not significant when psychological flexibility was high. These results draw attention to the mediating role of stress and the protective role of psychological flexibility in understanding the relationship between loneliness and addictive behavior and provide an important basis for preventive and supportive interventions targeting addictive behavior among college students.