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Despite a growing number of publications on problematic Internet use (PIU), there is no consensus on the nature of the phenomenon, its constituent criteria, and its clinical threshold. This qualitative study examines the perceptions of addiction counsellors who have managed individuals with PIU in Quebec (Canada). Four focus groups were conducted with 21 addictions counsellors working in public addiction rehabilitation centres. Discussion groups were digitally recorded, transcribed using a word processor, and analyzed using N'vivo 8.0 software. The results present the perceptions of counsellors regarding case management issues, including problematic applications, clinical picture, number of hours of Internet use for assessment, and for treatment.

Gaining a better grasp on factors related to changes in alcohol use is of particular interest for clinicians. Past research has highlighted a negative link between future time perspective (i.e. a disposition guiding how individuals consider and act regarding their future) and alcohol misuse. However, much remains at stake in the understanding of this association. The objective of this research was to explore bidirectional relationships between future time perspective and severity of alcohol-related problems, in a clinical setting. The sample includes 79 patients followed up in an outpatient alcohol treatment centre. Two measurement times were planned: at entry into care and 6 months later. Multiple linear regression analyses were carried out, controlling for sociodemographic variables. We found that baseline future time perspective predicted level of alcohol-related problems after 6 months in treatment, even when effects of baseline alcohol-related problems and sociodemographic variables were controlled. This study shows that the way patients see and position themselves regarding their future can affect level of alcohol-related problems. It may be useful for clinicians to identify patients with low future time perspective to offer tailored interventions and consider this dimension as a resource for change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to investigate (1) bivariate associations between alcohol use, time perspective, temporal competency, and personality traits; (2) the extent to which different temporal scales predicted alcohol use in order to select constructs most related to alcohol use; and (3) the most related temporalities as mediators between personality traits and alcohol use. French (n = 389) and Canadian (n = 478) college students responded to questionnaires online. Analyses included (1) correlations between measures; (2) three multiple regressions in which different sets of temporalities (ZTPI, TCT-5D, a combination of scales) predicted alcohol use; (2) five multiple parallel mediator models, in which one big-5 trait was entered as a distal factor leading to alchol use through the parallel mediators of temporalities. Most temporal dimensions were correlated with alcohol use and a unique set of personality traits. The combination of temporal scales (past negative, present hedonist, anticipation, temporal rupture) predicted alcohol use better than any other instrument. All personality traits explained alcohol use through different sets of temporalities. Cases of indirect only and competitive mediation were observed. Personality traits explained alcohol consumption through the multiple parallel mediators of temporalities. In some cases (neuroticism, openness and agreeableness) temporalities had to be taken into account in order to observe an effect of personality on alcohol use which helps explain inconsistencies in the literature. Future work may benefit from taking into account combinations of temporal dimensions in order to best explain (drinking) behaviors, including but not limited to the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Personality traits are considered distal determinants of various behaviors including alcohol consumption meaning that the association between traits and behaviors is mediated by other intervening variables. Time perspectives are thought to be both stable dispositions and dependent on situational variables. They are related to personality traits but cannot be reduced to such which may suggest that they explain the relationship between traits and various behaviors. This study aimed to explore the possibility that time perspectives mediate the relationship between personality traits and alcohol consumption behaviors. Methods: Five hundred and forty nine young adults living in France were administered online measures of Big 5 personality traits (Big Five Factor Inventory in French), time perspectives (Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory Short Form) and alcohol use (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test). Five multiple parallel mediator models were elaborated in which personality traits led to time perspectives, which in turn led to alcohol consumption. Results: Exclusively conscientiousness and extraversion directly predicted alcohol consumption. However, in all five models at least one time perspective mediated the relationship between each personality trait and alcohol consumption. For example, the relationship between openness and alcohol use was fully mediated by two competitive mediators: past positive and present hedonist time perspectives. The relationship between agreeableness and alcohol use was fully accounted for by two complementary mediators: past positive and future. Fifty seven percent of the direct effect between extraversion and alcohol use was accounted for three competitive mediators: future, past positive and present hedonist perspectives. Conclusions: Time perspectives may explain entirely or in part the relationship between Big 5 personality traits and alcohol consumption behavior among young people. Intervening on the level of time perspectives rather than on that of personality traits may be a viable direction for prospective studies regarding alcohol consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed and validated a new version of our test of temporal competency. In three studies we (1) defined dimensions, created items and studied face and content validity; (2) examined dimensionality and reliability; and (3) confirmed factor structure and studied convergent validity. Focus groups were held in which we drew up temporal concepts that articulated well with clinical observations. We derived a questionnaire that was administered to French young people and this data was used to reduce the questionnaire to 15 items. Reliability and validity of the 15-item version was studied among samples: French college, French high school, and Québec college. Five dimensions were defined and retained: anticipation, full present, temporal rupture, past, future. 15 items explained 68% of variance. The model provided adequate fit in confirmatory analyses across samples. Scales converged with hypothesized dimensions of the ZTPI and scales mostly maintained acceptable reliability. Conceptual issues with ZTPI were addressed, possibly rectified and discussed in light of clinical practice. The past was defined by how much one grows from experience independently of how 'happy' or 'sad' events were. Full present and temporal rupture relate to living in the now, the first by means of flow and engagement, the second by means of addictive behaviors. Future entailed a projection unto uncertainty, whereas anticipation defined adapting behavior in order to achieve short-term goals. We found that the questionnaire had adequate psychometric proprieties among Francophone youth in Canada and in France. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Trajectories of change accompanying alcohol‐specialized care can be affected by numerous variables. Massive urges to drink can substantially hamper personal motivation to change. However, time perspective could also play an indirect role in this association. This research explores whether time perspectives mediates the relationship between inclinations to use or not to use alcohol and patients' motivation to change. Design: The sample included 150 outpatients in care for their problematic alcohol use. Models of mediation were planned. Results: At the entry in care, three specific time perspectives, Past Negative, Present Fatalistic, and Future, acted as discrete mediators. Conclusions: These findings highlight underlying mechanisms connecting inclinations to use or to avoid the substance and the patient's motivation to change. Time perspective could also be an interesting intervention target in existing alcohol‐specialized treatment programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A minority of individuals with problematic alcohol use effectively seek help. Moreover, dropouts from care are not uncommon. It remains a major concern for health professionals, as adherence to treatment is significantly associated with better physical and psychological outcomes. Objectives: The main aim of this research was to assess what factors could distinguish patients with problematic alcohol use who dropped out from those who did not. Methods: The sample included 150 patients followed-up in an outpatient treatment center in France for a problematic alcohol use. Two measurement times were planned: at the first appointment and after six month of treatment. A large set of individual, environmental and institutional variables were considered to compare both subgroups. Results: Patients who dropped out mostly differ from patients who did not with a higher level of alcohol-related problems, ambivalence, inclinations to use the substance, number of missed appointments. Significant results were also observed regarding a lower time gap between the first contact with the center and the first appointment, as well as the season of the last appointment. Conclusions: Tailored motivational interventions could be offered to ambivalent patients, especially during the beginning of the treatment and some significant periods of the year. A particular focus should be brought on patients presenting such profiles in terms of level of alcohol problems, inclinations to drink and motivation to change. Overall, the study provides elements to better understand what may bring one patient to drop out of the treatment, and to improve the continuity of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While some research has reported a significant relationship between time perspective and alcohol use, that research has differed considerably in terms of how both variables are operationalized. The present study aimed to investigate this relationship by operationalizing time perspective in three ways, using raw scale scores, using temporal clusters, and using the Deviation from a Balanced Time Perspective approach. Additionally, age-appropriate measures of alcohol-related behavior were used, and alcohol scale scores were assessed as both an ordinal and a categorical measure. Data gathered in adolescents and university students in the United Kingdom were re-analyzed, and new data from a French university sample and a French Treatment Outpatient sample were analyzed. Overall, results using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test revealed a very modest relationship between scores on this measure and the various time perspective approaches. Results using the Adolescent Alcohol Involvement Scale suggested a stronger relationship between scores on this measure and the time perspective approaches. The results are discussed in the context of the extant literature, and methodological concerns specific to the use of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substance addiction in young adults is particularly problematic. Yet, much remain at stake in understanding the specifics of this population’s access to services. The objective of this study is to explore young adults’ initiation of substance misuse treatment. Our study sample was composed of 35 individuals aged 18 to 30 with problematic psychoactive substance use who have been identified in criminal courts, hospital emergency departments, and Health and Social Services Centers in Québec (Canada). A thematic analysis was performed on the 62 semi-structured interviews conducted with participants. Three components emerged. First, personal elements—expectations, individual motivations, perceptions of use, and capacity to control it—influence initiation of substance misuse treatment. Second, family and peers have noticeable influences. Finally, system characteristics and prior care experiences also shape the process. Consideration should be given to tailor interventions that can reach young adults and encourage them to initiate appropriate care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Digital natives' concept defines young adults particularly familiar with emerging technologies such as computers, smartphones, or Internet. This notion is still controversial and so far, the primary identifying criterion was to consider their date of birth. However, literature highlighted the need to describe specific characteristics. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the factor structure of a French version of the Digital Natives Assessment Scale (DNAS). The sample of this study includes 590 participants from a 6-week massive open online course and from Web sites, electronic forums, and social networks. The DNAS was translated in French and then back-translated to English. A principal component analysis with orthogonal rotation followed by a confirmatory factorial analysis showed that a 15-item four-correlated component model provided the best fit for the data of our sample. Factor structure of this French-translated version of the DNAS was rather similar than those found in earlier studies. This study provides evidence of the DNAS robustness through cross-cultural and cross-generational validation. The French version of the DNAS appears to be appropriate as a quick and effective questionnaire to assess digital natives. More studies are needed to better define further features of this particular group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to examine French adolescents' experiences and perception of alcohol use. Method: Individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with a total of 57 adolescents ranging from 12 to 18 years old. Measures: All interviews were conducted according to a similar discussion grid. Coding and analysis were carried out with N'vivo software. The coding grid was drawn up according to team consensus, using a cross-reference approach, based on phenomenology and discourse analysis. Results: Adolescents are mostly introduced to alcohol consumption in family contexts while peer-influence usually increases this to regular or even excessive consumption. Consuming alcohol in this way is often seen as a means of fostering and strengthening friendships as well as of assuming one's identity. Adolescents tend to play down their alcohol use, deeming it to be a transitory phase. They limit their consumption according to the effects it induces rather than to the number of drinks. Recommendations: Specific alcohol harm-reduction strategies for adolescents appear to be a promising way to prevent alcohol misuse and an innovative technique could be to focus on setting limits on alcohol consumption based on adolescents' proprioceptive sensations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) are individually increasingly used in psychiatric research. Objective/Hypothesis: Our study aimed to investigate the feasibility of combining tDCS and wireless 360° full immersive active and embodied VRET to reduce height-induced anxiety. Methods: We carried out a pilot randomized, double-blind, controlled study associating VRET (two 20 min sessions with a 48 h interval, during which, participants had to cross a plank at rising heights in a building in construction) with online tDCS (targeting the ventromedial prefrontal cortex) in 28 participants. The primary outcomes were the sense of presence level and the tolerability. The secondary outcomes were the anxiety level (Subjective Unit of Discomfort) and the salivary cortisol concentration. Results: We confirmed the feasibility of the association between tDCS and fully embodied VRET associated with a good sense of presence without noticeable adverse effects. In both groups, a significant reduction in the fear of height was observed after two sessions, with only a small effect size of add-on tDCS (0.1) according to the SUD. The variations of cortisol concentration differed in the tDCS and sham groups. Conclusion: Our study confirmed the feasibility of the association between wireless online tDCS and active, fully embodied VRET. The optimal tDCS paradigm remains to be determined in this context to increase effect size and then adequately power future clinical studies assessing synergies between both techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]