Examining the impact of reinforcement sensitivity theory on compulsive internet use through difficulty in emotion regulation

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory, encompassing Behavioural Inhibition and Activation Systems (BIS/BAS), may help us understand the modern-day phenomenon of compulsive Internet use. BAS, a neurologically appetitive system is sensitive to positive cues (e.g., rewards), and traditionally linked with addictive behaviours, whereas BIS is sensitive to negative cues (e.g., punishment), and inhibits behaviour. Analysing data on a sample of 209 young people attending university, BIS is found to be related to compulsive Internet use, not BAS. Furthermore, BIS is revealed to have a significant indirect effect on compulsive Internet use through difficulties in emotion regulation. The findings can be employed by practitioners, who work with compulsive Internet users, to try to weaken the patients’ inhibitory behaviours that may improve their emotion regulation skills, which in turn could help individuals reduce their need to be online. Longitudinal research is required to provide more reliable results and confirm the directionality of the effects.