Childhood unpredictability and problematic internet pornography use among Chinese university students: a moderated serial mediation model.

BACKGROUND: Although previous studies have shown that childhood unpredictability affects problematic internet pornography use in college students, the fundamental mediating mechanisms and moderating boundary conditions have not been thoroughly investigated. Consequently, the current research aimed to determine whether life history strategy and body image serve as mediators in the link between childhood unpredictability and problematic internet pornography use, and whether these mediating pathways are influenced by perceived friend support.

METHODS: Using a two-wave cross-sectional survey design, this study recruited 422 Chinese university students as participants. Research variables were measured with standardized questionnaires, and the moderated chain mediation model was analyzed with PROCESS Model 88.

RESULTS: Mediation analysis indicates that life history strategy and body image independently mediate the link between childhood unpredictability and problematic internet pornography use, and that the two also show significant sequential mediation effects. Simple slope analysis further shows that perceived friend support moderates the negative predictive effect of a slow life history strategy on problematic internet pornography use.

CONCLUSIONS: Life history strategy and body image are the key mediating pathways through which childhood unpredictability affects university students' problematic internet pornography use. Perceived friend support can buffer the negative effect of a slow life history strategy on problematic internet pornography use. The study reveals a chain-like cognitive mechanism in which early developmental environments influence university students' problematic internet pornography use, providing empirical support for universities to carry out psychological interventions for high-risk students and to improve peer support systems.