Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Internet Addiction Among College Students in the Context of COVID-19

Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Internet Addiction Among College Students in the Context of COVID-19 | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Internet Addiction Among College Students in the Context of COVID-19 Yan Liu, Qiannan Zhao, Meiling Xiao, Cong Peng, Qingxia He This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4877476/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Introduction Sensory processing sensitivity is a temperamental trait that reflects environmental sensitivity. This study investigated whether psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation mediated the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and Internet addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined whether left-behind experiences moderated the mediation model. Method The participants were 685 college students who completed an online survey. Data were acquired during the first COVID-19 lockdown in China. Participants completed the Highly Sensitive Person Scale, the Scale of Psychological and Behavioral Responses to Home Isolation, the Internet Addiction Test, and an item assessing left-behind experiences. Results Findings indicated that sensory processing sensitivity was positively related to psychological and behavioral responses to home isolation and Internet addiction and positively predicted Internet addiction. Psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation mediated the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and Internet addiction. The left-behind experiences moderated the mediating effects of sensory processing sensitivity and Internet addiction. Conclusion This study contributes to the understanding of how college students experience sensory processing sensitivity and Internet addiction during an epidemic. Sensory processing sensitivity Internet addiction College students COVID-19 Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 1. Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic poses a serious threat to physical and mental health [ 1 , 2 ]. Furthermore, Internet use has increased worldwide since the onset of the pandemic [ 3 ]. College students have been among the most affected by the pandemic [ 4 ]. They frequently use the Internet for several reasons, such as entertainment, education, and communication. However, overuse or unrestricted use of the Internet can result in Internet addiction, leading to considerable distress and impairment of functioning. Internet addiction, often referred to as problematic or pathological Internet use, is defined by the excessive and prolonged use of the Internet, leading to adverse effects such as psychological distress and diminished social interaction [ 5 , 6 ]. The pandemic has had a negative impact on Internet usage and increased the occurrence and severity of Internet addiction, especially among vulnerable populations [ 7 ]. Several studies have demonstrated that Internet addiction significantly affects individual development [ 8 ]. Individual environmental sensitivity varies [ 9 ]. Temperamental characteristics, known as sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), are conceptualized to represent sensitivity to environmental cues [ 10 ]. This trait is defined by an increased depth of processing, increased attention to environmental details, susceptibility to overstimulation, intense emotional responses, and the ability to empathize with others’ emotional cues [ 10 ]. As proposed by Greven et al. (2019), individuals with high environmental sensitivity are more prone to experiencing negative mental health outcomes. Additionally, sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is typically related to adverse clinical outcomes. Previous studies have shown that SPS increases the likelihood of anxiety and depression [ 11 , 12 ]. However, for college students, we have a limited understanding of the processes involved in the influence of SPS on Internet addiction. Home isolation measures to combat the pandemic may lead to increased Internet usage and expose vulnerable people to a greater risk of developing Internet addiction [ 13 ]. Home isolation is a specific situation suitable for investigating the correlation between SPS and Internet addiction. Thus, this study investigated how SPS affects Internet addiction among Chinese college students. 1.1 Mediated Psychological and Behavioral Responses during Home Isolation Personality influences psychological and behavioral reactions to the epidemic [ 14 , 15 ]. SPS has been proposed as a relatively stable characteristic related to increased sensitivity to social and environmental cues [ 10 ]. Previous studies have linked stress and anxiety to SPS [ 16 , 12 ]. A positive correlation has been found between SPS and COVID-19 stress [ 17 ]. The relationship between stress and Internet addiction is supported by scientific evidence, as explained by the general strain theory [ 18 , 19 ]. This theory argues that experiencing stress in life can result in negative emotions, which can trigger addiction as a means of avoiding these emotions [ 18 , 19 ]. Researchers have found a positive correlation between Internet addiction, perceived risk of COVID-19 [ 20 ], and perceived pressure during the pandemic [ 7 ]. According to previous research, COVID-19 is a mediator in the relationship between SPS and internalization problems [ 21 ]. While in home isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, highly sensitive college students may have perceived COVID-19 as a threat and have negative psychological and behavioral responses, which could be potential mediators of the correlation between SPS and Internet addiction. 1.2 Moderating Role of Left-Behind Experiences Rapid economic growth and urbanization in China have led to a considerable number of left-behind children and college students. They resided in their registered home location, but for more than six months, they did not live with either parent because of work-related relocations. Left-behind children exhibit a higher susceptibility to Internet addiction than children residing with their parents [ 22 ]. College is a pivotal stage of growth as individuals transition from the later stages of adolescence to early stages of adulthood. According to the life course theory, various changes and events from childhood to adulthood, such as marriage, parenthood, and old age, influence individual development [ 23 ]. Substantial evidence demonstrates the enduring adverse effects of left-behind experiences on mental health [ 24 ]. Moreover, being left behind significantly affects college students’ psychological health [ 25 ]. Individuals who have been left behind are also more likely to develop behavioral addictions [ 26 ]. Home isolation may amplify the psychological and behavioral effects of Internet addiction among college students with left-behind experiences. This study examined the moderating role of left-behind experiences in the relationship between psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation and Internet addiction. Specifically, we posited that, compared to college students who have never been left behind, the psychological and behavioral responses of Chinese college students with left-behind experiences during home isolation will have a stronger impact on their Internet addiction. 1.3 Current Research We proposed a moderated mediation model to investigate the processes that explain the relationship between SPS and Internet addiction based on attachment, environmental sensitivity, and general strain theories. Figure 1 illustrates the research model. 2. Materials and Methods 2.1 Participants This study was conducted in China. The participants were 685 first-year college students ( M age = 18.80, SD = 0.94), of whom 376 (54.9%) were male and 309 (45.1%) were female. The online survey began in June and ended in July 2020. All participants provided their informed consent. This study was approved by the university’s Faculty of Human Research Ethics Committee. 2.2 Measures 2.2.1 Sensory Processing Sensitivity The revised Chinese version of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale was used to measure SPS levels [ 10 ]. This scale comprises 23 items rated on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (totally disagree) to 7 (totally agree). High scores indicate an elevated degree of SPS. The Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.91. 2.2.2 Psychological and Behavioral Responses During Home Isolation A self-designed questionnaire was used to examine the psychological and behavioral responses of college students regarding home isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire comprised six items, such as, “I am very scared during the home isolation period.” Items were rated on a 5-point scale ranging from 1 (not at all) to 5 (fully). Higher scores indicate more negative psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation. Cronbach’s α coefficient of 0.80. 2.2.3 Internet Addiction The Internet Addiction Test was used to measure college students’ Internet addiction [ 6 ]. This inventory comprises 20 items rated on a 5-point scale ranging from 1 (never) to 5 (always). High overall scores indicate an elevated degree of Internet addiction. The Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.90. 2.2.4 Left-Behind Experiences A single-item measure of parent–child separation lasting at least six months was used to examine left-behind experiences [ 27 ]. This item asked college students about their experience of being left behind for more than six months. A score of 1 was given if they answered yes, and a score of 2 if not. 2.3 Procedures This study used the online survey panel Electronic Questionnaire Star ( https://www.wjx.cn/ ). Before the survey, participants were informed about the study objectives and assured that their personal data would remain protected. 2.4 Data Analysis The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 and the PROCESS macro program [ 28 ]. The main statistical methods used were t -tests, correlation analysis, and mediation analysis. The mediating and moderating effects were investigated using the PROCESS macro software. 3. Results 3.1 Preliminary Analysis Internet addiction during home isolation was compared based on sex (1 = male, 0 = female) using an independent-samples t -test. There were no significant gender differences in Internet addiction ( t = − 0.59, p > 0.05). However, men and women showed significant differences in SPS ( t = − 6.83, p < 0.001) and psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation ( t = − 3.62, p < 0.001). Psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation ( M female = 1.86, M male = 1.67) and SPS ( M female = 4.41, M male = 3.89) were significantly higher in women than in men. Table 1 displays the means, standard deviations, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients for all variables examined in this study. A correlation analysis showed that SPS was positively correlated with psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation ( p < 0.001) and Internet addiction ( p < 0.001). Furthermore, psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation were positively related to Internet addiction ( p < 0.001). Table 1 Means, standard deviations, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients M SD 1 2 3 1. Sensory processing sensitivity 4.12 1.02 1 2. Psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation 1.76 0.69 0.27 *** 1 3. Internet addiction 1.90 0.55 0.23 *** 0.24 *** 1 Note: N = 685 * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, and *** p < 0.001. 3.2 Mediating Effect Test We investigated the mediating effects of psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation on the correlation between SPS and Internet addiction. We used Model 4 from the SPSS macro developed by Hayes (2013) and employed a bias-corrected percentile bootstrap approach to examine the mediating effects. Five thousand samples were selected to calculate the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the mediating effect. SPS predicted Internet addiction ( β = 0.25, p < 0.001) after controlling for gender. SPS ( β = 0.19, p < 0.001) and psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation ( β = 0.20, p < 0.001) predicted Internet addiction. For the mediation model, the direct and indirect effects were 0.19 ( t = 4.76, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.22, 0.26]) and 0.05 (Boot SE = 0.01, 95% CI [0.03, 0.08]), respectively. Psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation exerted a partial mediating effect on the relationship between SPS and Internet addiction. 3.3 Moderated Mediation Test The results of the moderated mediation analysis (see Table 2 ) were obtained using Model 14 of Hayes’ (2013) PROCESS macro. A significant effect of psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation was observed on Internet addiction ( β = 0.19, t = 4.99, p < 0.001, 95% CI = [0.11, 0.27]), and this effect was moderated by left-behind experiences ( β = − 0.17, t = − 2.32, p < 0.05, 95% CI = [–0.31, − 0.03]). The left-behind experiences also predicted Internet addiction ( β = − 0.15, t = − 2.01, p < 0.05, 95% CI = [–0.29, − 0.003]). Table 2 Moderated mediating effect of sensory processing sensitivity on Internet addiction Regression equation ( N = 685) Fit indicators Coefficient significance Outcomes Predictors R R 2 F β t Psychological and behavioral responses 0.28 0.08 28.59 Sensory processing sensitivity 0.25 6.58 *** Gender –0.15 –1.95 Internet addiction 0.32 0.10 15.36 *** Psychological and behavioral responses 0.19 4.99 *** Sensory processing sensitivity 0.19 4.90 *** Left-behind experience –0.15 –2.01 * Psychological and behavioral responses × Left-behind experience –0.17 –2.32 * Gender 0.11 1.43 Note: * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, and *** p < 0.001; gender is a binary variable (1 = male, 0 = female), and left-behind experience is a binary variable (1 = has left-behind experience, 2 = does not have left-behind experience). A simple slope analysis was performed to further examine the moderation effects. The plot of the association between psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation and Internet addiction differed between the two levels of left-behind experiences (Fig. 2 ). Simple slope tests indicated that the predictive effect of psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation on Internet addiction among college students with left-behind experiences (simple slope = 0.07, Boot SE = 0.02, 95% CI = [0.04, 0.11]) was higher than that among college students without left-behind experiences (simple slope = 0.03, Boot SE = 0.01, 95% CI = [–0.001, 0.06]). Therefore, psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation had a greater impact on Internet addiction among college students who have left-behind experiences compared with those who do not. 4. Discussion Internet addiction is a highly prevalent and crucial global social issue, and its incidence and seriousness have been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to expand the knowledge of the relationship between SPS and Internet addiction particularly among Chinese college students and indicates that SPS could predict Internet addiction. Our findings expand existing research by providing a more accurate depiction of Internet addiction and clarifying the mediating role of psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation between SPS and Internet addiction, as well as the moderating function of left-behind experiences in this mediating model. This study found no significant differences in Internet addiction between sexes, which is inconsistent with the findings of previous studies. For example, some studies found boys to be at a greater risk of Internet addiction than girls [ 29 , 30 ]. An explanation for this inconsistency may be that college students increased their Internet use during the pandemic. However, female students reported more negative psychological and behavioral responses to COVID-19 than male students during home isolation, which confirmed the findings of other studies [ 31 , 2 ]. 4.1 SPS and Internet Addiction These results indicated that SPS was significantly and positively correlated with Internet addiction. Specifically, a high SPS trait score was related to Internet addiction. This indicate that SPS can significantly and positively predict Internet addiction. These findings are consistent with the results of prior studies that established a link between SPS and poor outcomes and maladaptive behaviors, such as elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and depression [ 11 , 12 ]. Our findings are consistent with the environmental sensitivity theory, providing additional evidence that high SPS levels increase the risk of Internet addiction. 4.2 Mediating Role of Psychological and Behavioral Responses This study showed that psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation could mediate the relationship between SPS and Internet addiction. College students with high SPS levels were more sensitive to their surroundings during home isolation and had more negative psychological and behavioral responses, which influenced their Internet addiction. Our findings align with the environmental sensitivity theory [ 32 ] and general strain theory [ 18 ]. College students with high SPS levels may find it difficult to live alone at home, which may lead to negative emotions and result in Internet addiction as a coping mechanism. This finding aligns with those of previous studies that found that SPS is associated with negative psychological symptoms [ 16 , 12 ] and COVID-19 stress [ 17 ]. Previous studies have also noted that the perceived risk of COVID-19 [ 20 ], perceived pressure during the pandemic [ 7 ], and fear of COVID-19 [ 33 ] are positively associated with Internet addiction. 4.3 Moderating Role of Left-Behind Experiences This study found that left-behind experiences moderated the relationship between psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation and Internet addiction. Therefore, psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation had a greater influence on Internet addiction among college students who were left behind compared to those who were not. This finding is consistent with research examining whether children who have experienced being left behind are inclined to develop Internet addiction [ 22 ]. Previous research has verified the enduring adverse consequences of being left behind on mental health [ 24 ]. The left-behind experience refers to a unique family environment during childhood, wherein individuals experience special events and pressures that may alter their traits. Moreover, previous studies have found that college students who have experienced being left behind are inclined to have several traumatic experiences and interpret these experiences negatively, thereby strengthening their tendency toward problematic behavior [ 34 , 35 ]. In our study, college students with left-behind experiences may have negatively interpreted their psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation, which subsequently increased their Internet addiction. 4.4 Implications and Limitations Several theoretical and practical considerations are raised in our study. First, it offers insights into the effects of SPS on Internet addiction while in home isolation during the pandemic. Second, the results indicated that psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation mediate the relationship between SPS and Internet addiction. Third, this study verified the negative effects of left-behind experiences on Internet addiction during the pandemic. Further studies are needed to develop and evaluate therapies to help highly sensitive college students potentially avoid Internet addiction. However, this study has several limitations. First, because we used a cross-sectional design, we could not infer the causal influence of the model. Second, this study used a self-report approach, which raises the possibility of individuals responding in a socially acceptable manner. In summary, our study indicates that college students with high SPS trait scores experienced high levels of Internet addiction. Psychological and behavioral responses to home isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic partly mediated this effect. Furthermore, left-behind experiences moderated the mediating path through which psychological and behavioral responses to home isolation affected Internet addiction. Specifically, psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation had a greater impact on Internet addiction in students with left-behind experiences compared with those without this experience. Declarations Declaration of Competing Interests None Data availability statement The datasets generated and/or analyzed in the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Funding Declaration The research was supported by the scientific research start-up fund of Hunan University of Science and Technology (E52215). Ethics approval The research was approved by the Faculty of Psychological Research Ethics Committee of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (NO. 20200416). All methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations of the Declaration of Helsinki and The Singapore Statement. Acknowledgements We thank all the participants for their efforts on the study. We thank Enago (www. Enago.cn) for English polishing service. Author Contribution Yan Liu and Qiannan Zhao contributed to the design of the study. Yan Liu, Meiling Xiao, Cong Peng and Qingxia He organized and analyzed the data, wrote the different sections of the manuscript. All authors contributed to manuscript revision and read and approved the submitted version. References Brooks SK, Webster RK, Smith LE, Woodland L, Wessely S, Greenberg N, et al. The psychological impact of quarantine and how to reduce it: rapid review of the evidence. Lancet. 2020;395(10227):912–20. Xiong J, Lipsitz O, Nasri F, Lui LMW, Gill H, Phan L, et al. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in the general population: A systematic review. J Affect Disord. 2020;277:55–64. BEREC. 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Special Education. 2019;6:91–96. https://doi.org/CNKI:SUN:QNYJ.0.2014-05-003. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-4877476","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":347923078,"identity":"60258990-b563-415b-aa05-5bba3e1904f1","order_by":0,"name":"Yan Liu","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAAyUlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYBACPmYILcPY3tj44AMxWtigWngYew43G84gSguU5mGQSG+T5iBKCzuPmcTPHXd4mGc+bJBmYLCT020g6DAeM8neM894GGcnNhgXMCQbmx0gQosEb9thsJbkGQwHErcRo0XyL0jLzIMNh3mI1SINtmUGY2MzkVrYiq1l24B+6UlsZpxhQIRf+PkPb7z5tu2OnGH78ec/PlTYyRHUAgQsEgwMBxgMG0BsA8LKQYD5A0iLPHGKR8EoGAWjYCQCAP3LPVqncPXWAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","orcid":"","institution":"Hunan University of Science and Technology","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Yan","middleName":"","lastName":"Liu","suffix":""},{"id":347923081,"identity":"fafa942e-48be-4e42-a9c5-a0e7711c7230","order_by":1,"name":"Qiannan Zhao","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Huazhong University of Science and Technology","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Qiannan","middleName":"","lastName":"Zhao","suffix":""},{"id":347923082,"identity":"5e00861e-2e25-4071-996c-657885952963","order_by":2,"name":"Meiling Xiao","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Hunan University of Science and Technology","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Meiling","middleName":"","lastName":"Xiao","suffix":""},{"id":347923086,"identity":"340a2aa1-0c6b-4ca8-b19f-ae95831499d3","order_by":3,"name":"Cong Peng","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Hubei Engineering University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Cong","middleName":"","lastName":"Peng","suffix":""},{"id":347923088,"identity":"bbbab640-ccc1-42ee-8ec9-c482b80e5238","order_by":4,"name":"Qingxia He","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Binzhou Medical University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Qingxia","middleName":"","lastName":"He","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-08-08 01:53:43","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4877476/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4877476/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":64710079,"identity":"54c56fc4-f546-41f8-9bcd-9cabd053bd24","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-09-18 01:49:28","extension":"jpeg","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":103942,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eThe proposed model.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNote. PBR: Psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4877476/v1/b5bb785ad9a92625b43d69c8.jpeg"},{"id":64710078,"identity":"4cf8eab0-6fd2-4fd4-af2c-904c4510ca69","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-09-18 01:49:27","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":22546,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eModerating effect of left behind experience between PBR and internet addiction.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4877476/v1/f448f65a3181a3e9effdb179.png"},{"id":95314983,"identity":"736e7c6a-04dd-4499-a696-dba8e11199f7","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-06 15:53:36","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":901695,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4877476/v1/0c1efa1e-64c8-4ec4-961d-2fc0dda0fc32.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Internet Addiction Among College Students in the Context of COVID-19","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe COVID-19 pandemic poses a serious threat to physical and mental health [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]. Furthermore, Internet use has increased worldwide since the onset of the pandemic [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e]. College students have been among the most affected by the pandemic [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]. They frequently use the Internet for several reasons, such as entertainment, education, and communication. However, overuse or unrestricted use of the Internet can result in Internet addiction, leading to considerable distress and impairment of functioning. Internet addiction, often referred to as problematic or pathological Internet use, is defined by the excessive and prolonged use of the Internet, leading to adverse effects such as psychological distress and diminished social interaction [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]. The pandemic has had a negative impact on Internet usage and increased the occurrence and severity of Internet addiction, especially among vulnerable populations [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. Several studies have demonstrated that Internet addiction significantly affects individual development [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndividual environmental sensitivity varies [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e]. Temperamental characteristics, known as sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), are conceptualized to represent sensitivity to environmental cues [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]. This trait is defined by an increased depth of processing, increased attention to environmental details, susceptibility to overstimulation, intense emotional responses, and the ability to empathize with others\u0026rsquo; emotional cues [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs proposed by Greven et al. (2019), individuals with high environmental sensitivity are more prone to experiencing negative mental health outcomes. Additionally, sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is typically related to adverse clinical outcomes.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrevious studies have shown that SPS increases the likelihood of anxiety and depression [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]. However, for college students, we have a limited understanding of the processes involved in the influence of SPS on Internet addiction. Home isolation measures to combat the pandemic may lead to increased Internet usage and expose vulnerable people to a greater risk of developing Internet addiction [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e]. Home isolation is a specific situation suitable for investigating the correlation between SPS and Internet addiction. Thus, this study investigated how SPS affects Internet addiction among Chinese college students.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec2\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e1.1 Mediated Psychological and Behavioral Responses during Home Isolation\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003ePersonality influences psychological and behavioral reactions to the epidemic [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]. SPS has been proposed as a relatively stable characteristic related to increased sensitivity to social and environmental cues [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]. Previous studies have linked stress and anxiety to SPS [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]. A positive correlation has been found between SPS and COVID-19 stress [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe relationship between stress and Internet addiction is supported by scientific evidence, as explained by the general strain theory [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e]. This theory argues that experiencing stress in life can result in negative emotions, which can trigger addiction as a means of avoiding these emotions [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e]. Researchers have found a positive correlation between Internet addiction, perceived risk of COVID-19 [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e], and perceived pressure during the pandemic [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccording to previous research, COVID-19 is a mediator in the relationship between SPS and internalization problems [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e]. While in home isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, highly sensitive college students may have perceived COVID-19 as a threat and have negative psychological and behavioral responses, which could be potential mediators of the correlation between SPS and Internet addiction.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e1.2 Moderating Role of Left-Behind Experiences\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eRapid economic growth and urbanization in China have led to a considerable number of left-behind children and college students. They resided in their registered home location, but for more than six months, they did not live with either parent because of work-related relocations. Left-behind children exhibit a higher susceptibility to Internet addiction than children residing with their parents [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCollege is a pivotal stage of growth as individuals transition from the later stages of adolescence to early stages of adulthood. According to the life course theory, various changes and events from childhood to adulthood, such as marriage, parenthood, and old age, influence individual development [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]. Substantial evidence demonstrates the enduring adverse effects of left-behind experiences on mental health [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]. Moreover, being left behind significantly affects college students\u0026rsquo; psychological health [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e]. Individuals who have been left behind are also more likely to develop behavioral addictions [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e]. Home isolation may amplify the psychological and behavioral effects of Internet addiction among college students with left-behind experiences. This study examined the moderating role of left-behind experiences in the relationship between psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation and Internet addiction. Specifically, we posited that, compared to college students who have never been left behind, the psychological and behavioral responses of Chinese college students with left-behind experiences during home isolation will have a stronger impact on their Internet addiction.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e1.3 Current Research\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe proposed a moderated mediation model to investigate the processes that explain the relationship between SPS and Internet addiction based on attachment, environmental sensitivity, and general strain theories. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e illustrates the research model.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"2. Materials and Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1 Participants\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study was conducted in China. The participants were 685 first-year college students (\u003cem\u003eM\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003eage\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e = 18.80, \u003cem\u003eSD\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.94), of whom 376 (54.9%) were male and 309 (45.1%) were female. The online survey began in June and ended in July 2020. All participants provided their informed consent. This study was approved by the university\u0026rsquo;s Faculty of Human Research Ethics Committee.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2 Measures\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.1 Sensory Processing Sensitivity\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe revised Chinese version of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale was used to measure SPS levels [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]. This scale comprises 23 items rated on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (totally disagree) to 7 (totally agree). High scores indicate an elevated degree of SPS. The Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s α coefficient was 0.91.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.2 Psychological and Behavioral Responses During Home Isolation\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA self-designed questionnaire was used to examine the psychological and behavioral responses of college students regarding home isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire comprised six items, such as, \u0026ldquo;I am very scared during the home isolation period.\u0026rdquo; Items were rated on a 5-point scale ranging from 1 (not at all) to 5 (fully). Higher scores indicate more negative psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation. Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s α coefficient of 0.80.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.3 Internet Addiction\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Internet Addiction Test was used to measure college students\u0026rsquo; Internet addiction [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]. This inventory comprises 20 items rated on a 5-point scale ranging from 1 (never) to 5 (always). High overall scores indicate an elevated degree of Internet addiction. The Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s α coefficient was 0.90.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.4 Left-Behind Experiences\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA single-item measure of parent\u0026ndash;child separation lasting at least six months was used to examine left-behind experiences [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e]. This item asked college students about their experience of being left behind for more than six months. A score of 1 was given if they answered yes, and a score of 2 if not.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3 Procedures\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study used the online survey panel Electronic Questionnaire Star (\u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://www.wjx.cn/\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://www.wjx.cn/\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e). Before the survey, participants were informed about the study objectives and assured that their personal data would remain protected.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.4 Data Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 and the PROCESS macro program [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e]. The main statistical methods used were \u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e-tests, correlation analysis, and mediation analysis. The mediating and moderating effects were investigated using the PROCESS macro software.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1 Preliminary Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eInternet addiction during home isolation was compared based on sex (1\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;male, 0\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;female) using an independent-samples \u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e-test. There were no significant gender differences in Internet addiction (\u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.59, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). However, men and women showed significant differences in SPS (\u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;6.83, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001) and psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation (\u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;3.62, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation (\u003cem\u003eM\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003efemale\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e = 1.86, \u003cem\u003eM\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003emale\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e = 1.67) and SPS (\u003cem\u003eM\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003efemale\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e = 4.41, \u003cem\u003eM\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003emale\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e = 3.89) were significantly higher in women than in men.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e displays the means, standard deviations, and Pearson\u0026rsquo;s correlation coefficients for all variables examined in this study. A correlation analysis showed that SPS was positively correlated with psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001) and Internet addiction (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Furthermore, psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation were positively related to Internet addiction (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMeans, standard deviations, and Pearson\u0026rsquo;s correlation coefficients\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eM\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSD\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1. Sensory processing sensitivity\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2. Psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.76\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.69\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.27\u003csup\u003e***\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3. Internet addiction\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.23\u003csup\u003e***\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.24\u003csup\u003e***\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"6\"\u003eNote: \u003cem\u003eN\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;685 \u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;0.05, \u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;0.01, and \u003csup\u003e***\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;0.001.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2 Mediating Effect Test\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe investigated the mediating effects of psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation on the correlation between SPS and Internet addiction. We used Model 4 from the SPSS macro developed by Hayes (2013) and employed a bias-corrected percentile bootstrap approach to examine the mediating effects. Five thousand samples were selected to calculate the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the mediating effect.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSPS predicted Internet addiction (\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.25, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001) after controlling for gender. SPS (\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.19, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001) and psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation (\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.20, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001) predicted Internet addiction. For the mediation model, the direct and indirect effects were 0.19 (\u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4.76, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001, 95% CI [0.22, 0.26]) and 0.05 (Boot SE\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.01, 95% CI [0.03, 0.08]), respectively. Psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation exerted a partial mediating effect on the relationship between SPS and Internet addiction.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3 Moderated Mediation Test\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe results of the moderated mediation analysis (see Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e) were obtained using Model 14 of Hayes\u0026rsquo; (2013) PROCESS macro. A significant effect of psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation was observed on Internet addiction (\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.19, \u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4.99, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001, 95% CI = [0.11, 0.27]), and this effect was moderated by left-behind experiences (\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.17, \u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2.32, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05, 95% CI = [\u0026ndash;0.31, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.03]). The left-behind experiences also predicted Internet addiction (\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.15, \u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2.01, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05, 95% CI = [\u0026ndash;0.29, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.003]).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eModerated mediating effect of sensory processing sensitivity on Internet addiction\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRegression equation (\u003cem\u003eN\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;685)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFit indicators\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCoefficient significance\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOutcomes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePredictors\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eR\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eR\u003c/em\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eβ\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePsychological and behavioral responses\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.59\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSensory processing sensitivity\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.58\u003csup\u003e***\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGender\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026ndash;0.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026ndash;1.95\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInternet addiction\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.36\u003csup\u003e***\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePsychological and behavioral responses\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.99\u003csup\u003e***\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSensory processing sensitivity\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.90\u003csup\u003e***\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLeft-behind experience\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026ndash;0.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026ndash;2.01\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePsychological and behavioral responses \u0026times; Left-behind experience\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026ndash;0.17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026ndash;2.32\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGender\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"7\"\u003eNote: *\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05, **\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01, and ***\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001; gender is a binary variable (1\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;male, 0\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;female), and left-behind experience is a binary variable (1\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;has left-behind experience, 2\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;does not have left-behind experience).\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA simple slope analysis was performed to further examine the moderation effects. The plot of the association between psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation and Internet addiction differed between the two levels of left-behind experiences (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). Simple slope tests indicated that the predictive effect of psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation on Internet addiction among college students with left-behind experiences (simple slope\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.07, Boot SE\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.02, 95% CI = [0.04, 0.11]) was higher than that among college students without left-behind experiences (simple slope\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.03, Boot SE\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.01, 95% CI = [\u0026ndash;0.001, 0.06]). Therefore, psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation had a greater impact on Internet addiction among college students who have left-behind experiences compared with those who do not.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eInternet addiction is a highly prevalent and crucial global social issue, and its incidence and seriousness have been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to expand the knowledge of the relationship between SPS and Internet addiction particularly among Chinese college students and indicates that SPS could predict Internet addiction. Our findings expand existing research by providing a more accurate depiction of Internet addiction and clarifying the mediating role of psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation between SPS and Internet addiction, as well as the moderating function of left-behind experiences in this mediating model.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study found no significant differences in Internet addiction between sexes, which is inconsistent with the findings of previous studies. For example, some studies found boys to be at a greater risk of Internet addiction than girls [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e]. An explanation for this inconsistency may be that college students increased their Internet use during the pandemic. However, female students reported more negative psychological and behavioral responses to COVID-19 than male students during home isolation, which confirmed the findings of other studies [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.1 SPS and Internet Addiction\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThese results indicated that SPS was significantly and positively correlated with Internet addiction. Specifically, a high SPS trait score was related to Internet addiction. This indicate that SPS can significantly and positively predict Internet addiction. These findings are consistent with the results of prior studies that established a link between SPS and poor outcomes and maladaptive behaviors, such as elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and depression [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]. Our findings are consistent with the environmental sensitivity theory, providing additional evidence that high SPS levels increase the risk of Internet addiction.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.2 Mediating Role of Psychological and Behavioral Responses\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study showed that psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation could mediate the relationship between SPS and Internet addiction. College students with high SPS levels were more sensitive to their surroundings during home isolation and had more negative psychological and behavioral responses, which influenced their Internet addiction. Our findings align with the environmental sensitivity theory [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e] and general strain theory [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]. College students with high SPS levels may find it difficult to live alone at home, which may lead to negative emotions and result in Internet addiction as a coping mechanism. This finding aligns with those of previous studies that found that SPS is associated with negative psychological symptoms [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e] and COVID-19 stress [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]. Previous studies have also noted that the perceived risk of COVID-19 [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e], perceived pressure during the pandemic [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e], and fear of COVID-19 [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e] are positively associated with Internet addiction.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.3 Moderating Role of Left-Behind Experiences\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study found that left-behind experiences moderated the relationship between psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation and Internet addiction. Therefore, psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation had a greater influence on Internet addiction among college students who were left behind compared to those who were not. This finding is consistent with research examining whether children who have experienced being left behind are inclined to develop Internet addiction [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrevious research has verified the enduring adverse consequences of being left behind on mental health [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]. The left-behind experience refers to a unique family environment during childhood, wherein individuals experience special events and pressures that may alter their traits. Moreover, previous studies have found that college students who have experienced being left behind are inclined to have several traumatic experiences and interpret these experiences negatively, thereby strengthening their tendency toward problematic behavior [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e]. In our study, college students with left-behind experiences may have negatively interpreted their psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation, which subsequently increased their Internet addiction.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec22\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.4 Implications and Limitations\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeveral theoretical and practical considerations are raised in our study. First, it offers insights into the effects of SPS on Internet addiction while in home isolation during the pandemic. Second, the results indicated that psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation mediate the relationship between SPS and Internet addiction. Third, this study verified the negative effects of left-behind experiences on Internet addiction during the pandemic. Further studies are needed to develop and evaluate therapies to help highly sensitive college students potentially avoid Internet addiction.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHowever, this study has several limitations. First, because we used a cross-sectional design, we could not infer the causal influence of the model. Second, this study used a self-report approach, which raises the possibility of individuals responding in a socially acceptable manner.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn summary, our study indicates that college students with high SPS trait scores experienced high levels of Internet addiction. Psychological and behavioral responses to home isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic partly mediated this effect. Furthermore, left-behind experiences moderated the mediating path through which psychological and behavioral responses to home isolation affected Internet addiction. Specifically, psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation had a greater impact on Internet addiction in students with left-behind experiences compared with those without this experience.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeclaration of Competing Interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNone\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData availability statement\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe datasets generated and/or analyzed in the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding Declaration\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe research was supported by the scientific research start-up fund of Hunan University of Science and Technology (E52215).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe research was approved by the Faculty of Psychological Research Ethics Committee of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (NO. 20200416). All methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations of the Declaration of Helsinki and The Singapore Statement.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe thank all the participants for their efforts on the study. We thank Enago (www. Enago.cn) for English polishing service.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eYan Liu and Qiannan Zhao contributed to the design of the study. Yan Liu, Meiling Xiao, Cong Peng and Qingxia He organized and analyzed the data, wrote the different sections of the manuscript. All authors contributed to manuscript revision and read and approved the submitted version.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrooks SK, Webster RK, Smith LE, Woodland L, Wessely S, Greenberg N, et al. The psychological impact of quarantine and how to reduce it: rapid review of the evidence. 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Fear of COVID-19, depression, anxiety, and their association with Internet addiction disorder in a sample of Italian students. J Affect Disorders Rep. 2021;4:100097.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLiu C, Wang S. The experience of left-behind and mental health of college students from second generation of floating peasants: based on the perspective of reform in floating population system. Youth Study. 2014;5:23\u0026ndash;32.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJin T, Zhang L, Wu Y, Yang H, Liu Z, Huang M. The effect of social trauma on aggression of College Students left at home during their childhood: The mediating role of alexithymia. Special Education. 2019;6:91\u0026ndash;96. https://doi.org/CNKI:SUN:QNYJ.0.2014-05-003.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Sensory processing sensitivity, Internet addiction, College students, COVID-19","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4877476/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4877476/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eIntroduction\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSensory processing sensitivity is a temperamental trait that reflects environmental sensitivity. This study investigated whether psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation mediated the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and Internet addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined whether left-behind experiences moderated the mediation model.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethod\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe participants were 685 college students who completed an online survey. Data were acquired during the first COVID-19 lockdown in China. Participants completed the Highly Sensitive Person Scale, the Scale of Psychological and Behavioral Responses to Home Isolation, the Internet Addiction Test, and an item assessing left-behind experiences.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFindings indicated that sensory processing sensitivity was positively related to psychological and behavioral responses to home isolation and Internet addiction and positively predicted Internet addiction. Psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation mediated the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and Internet addiction. The left-behind experiences moderated the mediating effects of sensory processing sensitivity and Internet addiction.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusion\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study contributes to the understanding of how college students experience sensory processing sensitivity and Internet addiction during an epidemic.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Internet Addiction Among College Students in the Context of COVID-19","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-09-18 01:49:21","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4877476/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"e6847a9e-49ee-49a3-8464-a42d66ade419","owner":[],"postedDate":"September 18th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-11-06T13:38:50+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-09-18 01:49:21","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-4877476","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-4877476","identity":"rs-4877476","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}