What is it about?

This study explores how COVID-19-related mental health issues, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and insomnia, are interconnected among Chinese adolescents, and how internet addiction (IA) influences these connections. Using Network Analysis, we found that suicidal thoughts early on strongly predicted later worsening of other symptoms, while insomnia acted as a key "bridge" linking depression and PTSD. Interestingly, teens with high versus low internet addiction showed very different patterns: for example, hyper-arousal (e.g., feeling constantly on edge) was a major symptom in both groups but was influenced by different factors.

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Why is it important?

Our findings suggest that interventions should prioritize addressing suicidal ideation and insomnia first while tailoring strategies based on teens’ level of internet use. This work highlights the need for personalized mental health support during crises like the pandemic.

Perspectives

I hope this study will provide new information for intervention prioritization decisions. I hope that future researchers will find the study thought-provoking.

Lin Zhang
Central China Normal University

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: The associations between PTSD symptom clusters, insomnia, and depressive symptoms in Chinese adolescents with low and high levels of internet addiction: A cross-lagged network analysis., Psychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy, March 2025, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/tra0001903.
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