Mediating Factors of the Association Between Shyness and Generalized Pathological Internet Use in Chinese University Students

This study examined the associations between shyness and generalized pathological Internet use (GPIU) to identify the possible mechanisms underlying how shyness influences GPIU through the mediating effect of interpersonal relationships, loneliness, and maladaptive cognitions. We also determined whether a gender difference exists in these underlying mechanisms. A total of 1621 Chinese undergraduate students, with a mean age of 21.68 (standard...