A growth mindset of happiness reduces internet addiction among Chinese emerging adults: The mediating role of depression

Previous research has focused mostly on risk factors that increase an individual's internet addiction (i.e., excessive use of the internet), and little is known about protective factors. Inspired by the positive spillover effect of happiness mindsets (i.e., beliefs about whether happiness is malleable) and the fact that happiness mindsets are easy to change, the current research with correlational and experimental studies focuses on the protective factor that lessens an individual's risk of internet addiction by examining the role of happiness mindsets. Additionally, the mediating effect of depression on this association was also examined. In Study 1, a correlational study was conducted to provide initial evidence; happiness mindsets (measured by the 6-item happiness mindsets scale), depression (measured by the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression), internet addiction (measured by the 26-item Revised Chen Internet Addiction Scale), and demographics were surveyed among 1382 emerging adults from China. In Study 2, an experimental study was conducted to provide causal evidence; happiness mindsets were manipulated, and depression and internet addiction were measured. Across two studies, the results revealed that (a) a growth mindset of happiness reduced internet addiction and (b) the alleviating effect of a growth mindset of happiness was mediated by decreased depression. Our results highlight the importance of fostering a growth mindset of happiness to prevent and combat internet addiction among Chinese emerging adults.