Implicit Associations and Approach-Avoidance Tendencies in Problematic Social Network Use and Tobacco Use Disorder: A Laboratory Comparison Study

This laboratory study compared implicit cognitive processes (associations and approach-avoidance tendencies) across 178 participants with problematic social network use, risky use, non-problematic use, and tobacco use disorder using validated psychological tests. While initial results showed differences in implicit associations between groups, effects diminished when controlling for age and comorbid psychiatric symptoms, suggesting overlapping but distinct mechanisms between behavioral and substance addictions.