Il fenomeno delle "addiction" tra gli studenti universitari: uno studio esplorativo della relazione tra variabili psicologiche e il rischio di dipendenze

This exploratory study aims to investigate the relationship between personality traits, addictive behaviors, and psychological well-being in a sample of 97 Italian university students. The research, conducted within the framework of the PRevenire con Insight, Motivazione, Emozione (Pr.I.M.E) project promoted by the Department of Anti-Drug Policies, seeks to identify risk and protective factors for maladaptive behaviors, with particular attention to substance use and internet abuse. Participants completed a battery of standardized questionnaires, including the Addictive Behavior Questionnaire, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and the Big Five Questionnaire. The results show significant correlations between internet and alcohol abuse and certain psychological dimensions, such as difficulties in emotion regulation, alexithymia, and perceived stress. No significant associations emerged with other forms of addiction or addictive behaviors. Findings from this preliminary study suggest that, in particular, internet and alcohol abuse may represent maladaptive coping strategies among university students experiencing emotional difficulties and stress, and displaying personality traits characterized by low emotional stability. Further investigation of these dynamics is crucial for the development of targeted preventive interventions, which should focus on enhancing emotion regulation skills and effective stress management.