Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is an increasing global concern, particularly among young people, and emotional factors can play a crucial role in PSU. This study investigated the relationships between loneliness, body attitudes, PSU, and smartphone deprivation (withdrawal) feelings using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. A total of 697 Hungarian participants (74.8% female, Mage = 23.51 ± 7.26) completed the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale, the Loneliness Scale, the Body Attitude Test, the Smartphone Withdrawal Symptom Scale, and demographic questions. The results revealed that loneliness was positively related to PSU and smartphone deprivation, with body attitude mediating these relationships. Age was a protective factor since older individuals reported less PSU and feelings of deprivation. While an alternative non-mediated model yielded a comparable fit, the mediated model provided a more thorough perspective. Overall, the findings suggest a potentially vicious cycle in which loneliness, negative body attitude, and PSU reinforce one another, with feelings of smartphone deprivation further exacerbating PSU. This cycle not only deepens psychological distress but also underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to enhance body image and social well-being as a means of mitigating PSU. Given the broader implications, further empirical research, particularly cross-cultural validation, is essential to ensure the findings apply across diverse populations and inform globally relevant strategies.

Physical inactivity is a growing problem that contributes to a range of negative health consequences, such as psychological and physical issues and weight gain. Recent evidence suggests that the tendency to avoid physical activity is associated with weight stigma and low (body-related) self-esteem. New cross-culturally validated psychometric scales for assessing nonparticipation in physical activity could help researchers and practitioners better understand the psychosocial factors contributing to avoidance of physical activity and for the more efficient promotion of an active lifestyle. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian Tendency to Avoid Physical Activity and Sport Scale (TAPAS) by conducting a confirmatory factor analysis and calculating the scale’s internal consistency and convergent/ discriminant validity. An Italian sample (N = 235; 57.4% females, Mage = 35.17 years; SD = ±10.83) participated in an online survey. The measures included the TAPAS, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale–21, Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire, Body Esteem Scale, and Exercise Addiction Inventory–Revised. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis supported a first-order one-factor scale, and the TAPAS showed good internal consistency. Additionally, the TAPAS was positively associated with body mass index, weight stigma, anxiety, stress, and depression; it was negatively associated with self-esteem and body self-esteem. The results suggest that the TAPAS is a psychometrically reliable and valid measure for assessing the tendency to avoid physical activity and sport among Italian-speaking individuals. The study also expands the knowledge of psychosocial factors involved in avoiding sports and participation in physical activity.

Background: The risk of exercise addiction is generally associated with high levels of stress and low self-esteem. Previous studies have revealed a significant association between stress, risk of exercise addiction, and self-esteem. However, the mediating effect of the latter was not examined. Aims: Based on the Interactional Model of Exercise Addiction, we hypothesized that stress might influence the risk of exercise addiction through the mediating role of self-esteem. Method: This cross-sectional study used a convenience sample of 200 Italian exercisers aged 18 to 69 (M = 35; SD = 4.05; 62% females). Participants completed demographic and exercise habits-related questions, the revised Exercise Addiction Inventory, Stress subscale of DASS-21, and the Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale in an online survey. Results: A positive association was found between stress and the risk of exercise addiction. However, a negative association emerged between stress and self-esteem. Furthermore, self-esteem was also related negatively to the risk of exercise addiction. Notably, self-esteem partially mediated the association between stress and the risk of exercise addiction. Conclusions: Self-esteem plays a role in the stress and exercise addiction relationship. Overall, the results contribute to a better understanding of the complex set of mechanisms that underlie the effects of stress on exercise addiction.

The present study aimed to validate the Italian 8-item, 9-item, and 12-item versions of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), addressing the need for shorter yet psychometrically robust measures. Two studies were conducted with different samples. In Study 1 (n = 541), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and reliability testing of the short-form versions of the DASS were performed, and their convergent validity with life satisfaction and mental well-being was examined. Study 2 (n = 321) extended this validation by reassessing factor structure, reliability, and convergent validity using constructs associated with psychological distress, including positive and negative affect, self-esteem, and perceived stress. Results demonstrated that all short-form versions retained the three-factor structure of the original DASS-21, with overall sufficient fit indices, especially the 9-item model. Reliability metrics confirmed internal consistency (all Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega ≥0.70). Convergent validity analyses indicated strong correlations between the short-form versions of DASS-21 (min = 0.675, max = 0.956) and associated psychological constructs, aligning with theoretical expectations. The scales captured the relationships between psychological distress, positive and negative affect, perceived stress, mental well-being, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Findings suggest that the Italian versions of the DASS-8, DASS-9, and DASS-12 provide feasible and reliable alternatives to the DASS-21 for assessing depression, anxiety, and stress, supporting their usefulness in clinical and research contexts, particularly in circumstances in which brevity is essential.