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The Psycho-Social Aspects of Facebook Use (PSAFU) scale was developed by Bodroza and Jovanovic (2016) to comprehensively measure psychological and social aspects of the users? Facebook (FB) experiences i.e. compensatory use of FB, self-presentation on FB, socializing, and seeking sexual partners through FB, FB addiction, and FB profile as the virtual self. The scale was previously validated on two Serbian samples. The aim of this study was to examine the validity of the PSAFU scale across multiple cultures, i.e. develop a version of the scale that would be suitable for the cross-cultural study of FB behaviors. The sample consisted of 1.632 respondents from Croatia, Italy, Iran, Serbia, and the UK. Administered questionnaires consisted of the PSAFU scale (Bodroza & Jovanovic, 2016), the Big Five Inventory (BFI; John et al., 1991), the Narcissistic Personality Inventory 16 (NPI-16; Ames et al., 2006), socio-demographic, and FB use questions (e.g., time spent on FB on a daily basis, frequency of posting, and number of FB friends). After some modifications and exclusion of the Virtual Self scale, the results of multigroup confirmatory factor analysis show that the PSAFU scale is cross-culturally invariant for the cultures included in this study and suitable for use in them. The remaining dimensions of revised PSAFU scale (PSAFU-R) have statistically significant relationships with measured personality traits and with indicators of FB use, although considerable cross-cultural variations were obtained.

The use of ytterbium laser to obtain colored titanium surfaces is a suitable strategy to improve the aesthetic soft tissue results and reduce implant failures in oral rehabilitation. To investigate the relationship between novel laser-colored surfaces and peri-implant soft tissues, Human Gingival Fibroblasts (HGFs) were cultured onto 12 colored titanium grade 1 light fuchsia, dark fuchsia, light gold, and dark gold disks and their viability (MTT Assay), cytotoxicity (lactate dehydrogenase release), and collagen I secretion were compared to the machined surface used as control. Optical and electronic microscopies showed a HGF growth directly correlated to the roughness and wettability of the colored surfaces. A higher viability percentage on dark fuchsia (125%) light gold (122%), and dark gold (119%) samples with respect to the machined surface (100%) was recorded. All specimens showed a statistically significant reduction of LDH release compared to the machined surface. Additionally, a higher collagen type I secretion, responsible for an improved adhesion process, in light fuchsia (3.95 μg/mL) and dark gold (3.61 μg/mL) compared to the machined surface (3.59 μg) was recorded. The in vitro results confirmed the innovative physical titanium improvements due to laser treatment and represent interesting perspectives of innovation in order to ameliorate aesthetic dental implant performance and to obtain more predictable osteo and perio-osteointegration long term implant prognosis.

Previous studies have shown that body shame and body image control in photos are associated with Problematic Social Networking Sites Use. The current study aims to build upon previous evidence by examining the role of perfectionistic self-presentation in the relationship between body shame, on the one hand, and body image control in photos and Problematic Social Networking Sites Use, on the other hand. The sample included 695 participants (%F = 61.29; Mage = 21.01 ± 5.05; age range = 14–30). The hypothesized serial mediation effect of perfectionistic self-presentation style and body image control in photos in the association between body shame and Problematic Social Networking Sites Use was significant (indirect effect = 0.05; 95% CI: [0.02, 0.07] for young women; indirect effect = 0.02; 95% CI: [0.002, 0.04] for young men). The present study contributes toward the understanding of the possible predictors of Problematic Social Networking Sites Use and leads novel findings in the field of self-objectification research. Regardless of gender, young people who feel ashamed of their body may develop a perfectionistic self-presentation (by promoting a perfect image and hiding imperfections) as compensatory strategy. However, the gratification of the need for self-presentation through body image control in Social Networks photos activities could in turn lead to Problematic Social Networking Sites Use.

An emerging body of research has evidenced the negative influence of using and being exposed to social networking sites (SNSs) on body image. Furthermore, it has been postulated that SNS use might be related with onset and persistence of eating disorders (EDs) psychopathology. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the complex interplay between Problematic Instagram use (PIU) (conceptualized as a potential behavioral addiction comprising withdrawal, conflict, tolerance, salience, mood modification and relapse) and ED psychopathology, by means of an explanatory Structural Equation Model. We hypothesized that PIU would be associated with ED symptoms through the mediating role of appearance comparison, individual psychological investment in physical appearance, and body uneasiness. A sample of 386 young female participants (Mage = 26.04 ± 6.73) was recruited, of which 152 had received a diagnosis of ED. ED patients used Instagram more than the control group and showed higher levels of PIU. Results from structural equation modeling (fit indices: χ2 = 44.54, df = 19, p

Sharing and viewing photos on social networking sites (SNSs) have been identified as particularly problematic for body image. Although correlational research to date has established that SNS use is associated with increased body dissatisfaction, only experimental studies can enhance confidence in the conclusions drawn. For this reason, this systematic review synthesizes data from 43 experimental studies (N = 8637; %F = 89.56; mean age = 21.58 ± 1.78) examining the effect of viewing idealized images (i.e., attractive, thin, and fit) and body positive content on SNSs on body image. Two studies were conducted on adolescents. Each study had slight variations in how the images were presented for each category (e.g., selfies and photos taken by others). The wide variability in experimental stimuli and psychological moderators used in the published research make a systematic review more feasible and meaningful than a meta-analysis. Findings indicate that viewing idealized images on SNSs lead to increased body dissatisfaction among young women and men. State appearance comparison (i.e., engaging in social comparison while viewing images) significantly mediated the effect, whereas trait appearance comparison (i.e., the relatively stable general tendency to engage in social comparison) was a significant moderator. Mixed results were found regarding the exposure to body positive images/captions. Viewing images on SNSs depicting unattainable beauty ideals leads young people to feel dissatisfied about their bodies, with appearance comparison processing playing an important role. More research is required to assess the long-term effects.

The current study focused primarily on the associations that feelings of not mattering have with life satisfaction, stress, and distress among students trying to cope with the uncertain and novel circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 350 University students from Italy completed measures that included the General Mattering Scale and the Anti-Mattering Scale, as well as measures of self-esteem, difficulties in emotion regulation, life satisfaction, perceived stress, anxiety, and depression. Psychometric analyses confirmed the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the General Mattering Scale and the Anti-Mattering Scale. As expected, feelings of not mattering were associated with lower life satisfaction as well as with greater reported difficulties in emotion regulation, stress, and distress. Mattering and self-esteem were both unique predictors of levels of life satisfaction during the pandemic. The results of mediational analyses suggested that individuals who feel as though they do not matter may be especially vulnerable to stress, depression, and anxiety and this may promote a decline in life satisfaction. Given the potential destructiveness of feelings of not mattering, in general but especially during a global pandemic, it is essential to proactively develop interventions and programs that are designed to enhance feelings of mattering and reduce anti-mattering experiences and feelings.

Introduction The Heterosexual script has not yet received extensive scientific attention in, one of the countries in which gender stereotypes are particularly prominent. The purpose of this study was to examine adherence to sexual scripts among Italian young adults by first evaluating the dimensionality, psychometric properties, and gender invariance of the Italian version of the Heterosexual Script Scale (HSS), a 22-item self-report questionnaire measuring endorsement of sexual scripts in the context of heterosexual relationships. Method A community sample of 2781 women and men (F = 50.5%) was recruited in 2021 (mean age = 22.32, SD = 3.53 years, age range: 18–35 years). Participants completed the Italian version of the HSS, measures of ambivalent sexism, and a socio-demographic questionnaire. Results Exploratory factor analysis revealed that, after deletion of four items (items 4, 7, 16, 22), four factors should be extracted: Courtship Strategies, Women Depend on Men, Women’s Self-Sacrifice, and Sex Defines Masculinity; Women Set Sexual Limits. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the 18-item four-factor structure had a good fit (RMSEA [90% CI] = .06 [.06; .07]; CFI = .95; SRMR = .05). Good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alphas for the four factors ranged from .65 to .72), construct validity, and metric invariance across genders were demonstrated. Conclusion Overall, findings indicate that the HSS can be used to reliably assess the endorsement of gendered sexual scripts among young Italian women and men. Some specific cultural aspects emerged. Policy Implications Researchers and sexual health practitioners should consider context-specific sexual scripts when designing research and intervention protocols. Sex education curricula could be improved by integrating modules aimed at promoting egalitarian gender scripts.

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Within the Compensatory Internet Use Theory (CIUT) framework, online activities may compensate for psychosocial problems. However, those who attempt to satisfy their needs or mitigate their fears via Social Networking Sites (SNSs) may be at heightened risk for problematic use of SNSs (PSNSU), especially in cases when these fears have an interpersonal basis, and the individual effectively finds online social support. The current study hypothesizes that interpersonally-based fears (i.e., fear of no mattering, fear of intimacy, and fear of negative evaluation) predict PSNSU, and online social support moderates these associations. Four hundred and fifty Italian participants (Mage = 27.42 ± 7.54; F = 73.5%) take part in the study. As examined by path analysis, the three interpersonal fears were positively associated with PSNSU, and online social support significantly moderates the relationship between fear of negative evaluation and PSNSU. The model accounted for 19% of the variance of PSNSU and showed good fit indices. The associations' strengths decrease as age increases. Overall, the current study finds further support for the theory that motivations need to be taken into account when it comes to internet uses (i.e., CIUT) and extends our understanding by highlighting that online social support might reinforce the link between the fear of being negatively evaluated and PSNSU.

The present study looks at how exposure to Instagram #fitspiration images affects self‐rated sexual attractiveness among women. An experimental pre‐test/post‐test control group design was implemented. Four hundred and forty‐two female undergraduate students (mean age of 22.06 ± 2.15 years) were randomly exposed to either fitspiration (N = 233) or travel Instagram images (N = 209). Well known self‐report measures of Instagram use, body satisfaction, and self‐perceived sexual attractiveness were completed. The results showed that viewing fitspiration models on Instagram was more likely to lower self‐perceived sexual attractiveness among women than travel images. This effect was mediated by body satisfaction. The present findings built upon previous research that focuses on the detrimental effects of exposure to appearance‐focused Instagram profile images on body image satisfaction by showing that exposure to Instagram fitspiration might also influence women perceived sexual attractiveness. Negative consequences of social media exposure on women’s sexual well‐being need to be further investigated.

In this work, pristine graphene oxide and its thermally reduced derivatives, rGO, were tested for the removal of triazines (atraton, prometryn, and atrazine) from water. The reduction process was optimized by means of design of experiments (DOE) coupled with response surface methodology (RSM), relying on the adsorption efficiency of the material. The optimal reduction conditions were calculated at a temperature of 110 °C maintained for 24 h; the mildest and simplest reduction protocol was chosen, as it allows in-air heat treatment with a common laboratory oven. The rGO samples were characterized before use, confirming a partial reduction process that, leaving intact most of the oxygenated functionalities on the graphene skeleton, may still allow favorable adsorption of pollutants through both hydrogen bonds and π-π interactions, which result from a large conjugated polyaromatic system. Triazine analyses were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); the data obtained from the adsorption isotherms were fitted with the Langmuir and Freundlich models, highlighting a slightly different adsorption behavior of atraton and prometryn compared with atrazine. Model outcomes were also used to support the hypotheses about the adsorption process.

Body appreciation is considered a key dimension of positive body image. Tylka and Wood-Barcalow (2015) developed the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2), a psychometrically sound measure to assess body appreciation. The present study examines various psychometric properties (i.e. factor structure, sex-based measurement invariance, and construct validity) of an Italian translation of the BAS-2 in a community sample (N = 601; F = 50.6 %; Mage = 25.72; SD = 4.81). Exploratory factor analyses with a randomly selected split-half subsample (n = 300; F = 50 %) supported the one-dimensional factor structure among both sexes. Confirmatory factor analyses with a second split-half subsample (n = 301; F = 51.16 %) indicated that the one-dimensional factor structure had adequate fit after some modifications were made. BAS-2 scores achieved full invariance across sex and men reported significantly higher scores than women (d = 0.45). Further, the Italian version of the BAS-2 had good internal consistency and was positively correlated with self-esteem and life satisfaction, whereas negative associations were found with body dissatisfaction and eating disorder symptoms. Results indicated that the Italian BAS-2 has good psychometric properties.

Triclocarban (TCC), is an antimicrobial component in personal care products and it is one of the emerging contaminants since it has been detected in various environmental matrices. Its presence in human cord blood, breast milk, and maternal urine raised issues about its possible impact on development and increased concerns about the safety of daily exposure. This study aims to provide additional information about the effects of zebrafish early-life exposure to TCC on eye development and visual function. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to two concentrations of TCC (5 and 50 μg/L) for 4 days. TCC-mediated toxicity was assessed in larvae at the end of exposure and in the long term (20 days post fertilization; dpf), through different biological end-points. The experiments showed that TCC exposure influences the retinal architecture. In 4 dpf treated larvae, we found a less organized ciliary marginal zone, a decrease in the inner nuclear and inner plexiform layers, and a decrease in the retinal ganglion cell layer. Photoreceptor and inner plexiform layers showed an increase in 20 dpf larvae at lower and both concentrations, respectively. The expression levels of two genes involved in eye development (mitfb and pax6a) were both decreased at the concentration of 5 μg/L in 4 dpf larvae, and an increase in mitfb was observed in 5 μg/L-exposed 20 dpf larvae. Interestingly, 20 dpf larvae failed to discriminate between visual stimuli, demonstrating notable visual perception impairments due to compound. The results prompt us to hypothesize that early-life exposure to TCC may have severe and potentially long-term effect on zebrafish visual function.

The present study introduces a new construct potentially associated with problematic smartphone use, that is the fear of not being up to date, and tests two serial mediation models, in which it was hypothesised that: (i) metacognitions and social smartphone use would be serial mediators of the relationship between the fear of missing out (FoMO) and problematic smartphone use (PSU); and (ii) metacognitions and process smartphone use would be serial mediators of the relationship between and the fear of not being up to date and PSU. A sample of 364 participants (F = 72.8%; mean age = 36.80 ± 15.32 years; age range: 18–75 years), recruited online, were administered a battery of self-report measures assessing FoMO, the fear of not being up to date, metacognitions about smartphone use, process and social smartphone use, and PSU. The serial mediation effect of metacognitions about smartphone use and process use on the relationship between the fear of not being up to date and PSU was significant (indirect effect = 0.004; 95% CI: [0.0006, 0.009]). Conversely, the serial mediation effect of metacognitions about smartphone use and social use on the relationship between FoMO and PSU was not significant (indirect effect = 0.002; 95% CI: [-0.003, 0.009]). Smartphone social use did not predict PSU. The current study highlights a possible pathway towards process smartphone use via a relatively new phenomenon termed “fear of not being up to date” within a metacognitive framework.

The literature suggests that alexithymia and emptiness could be risk factors for various addictive behaviors. The present study developed and tested a model that proposes a pathway leading from emptiness and difficulties in identifying emotions to Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) symptoms via an intense gamer-avatar relationship and bodily dissociative experiences. A sample of 285 (64.2% M; mean age = 30.38 ± 7.53) online gamers using avatar-based videogames was recruited from gaming communities, and they were asked to complete a survey that included the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Subjective Emptiness scale, the Scale of Body Connection, the Self-Presence Questionnaire, and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form. The structural model evaluated produced a good fit to the data [χ2 = 175.14, df = 55, p RMSEA = 0.08 (90% C.I. =0.07–0.09), CFI = 0.96, SRMR = 0.08] explaining 28% of the total variance. Alexithymia was indirectly associated with IGD through the serial mediation of the gamer-avatar relationship and body dissociation. Emptiness was associated with IGD symptoms at the bivariate level, but did not predict IGD directly or indirectly. The current study identifies a potential pathway toward IGD by integrating different lines of research, showing the importance of considering aspects such as the difficulty in recognising and expressing one’s emotions, the gamer- avatar relationship, and the mind-body connection in the context of IGD.

The aim of the present study was to investigate sexuality in a sample of gay fathers and lesbian mothers with children from previous heterosexual relationships. In particular, we compared their sex...

The aim of the current study was to explore under-considered psychosocial needs for lymphoma cancer group. A model of the role of psychosocial factors and Stressful Life Events was operationalized.We used Discriminant Analysis to test predictive power of the model. 103 oncological patients (gender: 42.7 % vs 49.3 % of females 55.2 ±15.6 vs 53.7±14.9) were matched with 140healthy control groups in the study. The following instruments were utilized to conduct the study: the Florence Psychiatric Interview, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Beck Depression Inventory I, and Sense of Mastery.The model satisfied the assumption criteria and were significant (Ʌ= .665, χ2= 105.83, p.001).Stressful events, depression and anxiety were adequate markers of the psychological status of lymphoma patients. Our results point out the relevance of taking into account psychosocial factors in hematology.

Contains fulltext : 287225.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) The metacognitive model of psychopathology has been applied to various psychological disorders, with a wide array of studies suggesting that metacognitions play an important role in addictive behaviors. Increasing scientific attention has been focused on a potential and relatively new form of behavioral addiction: compulsive exercising (i.e., when individuals gradually lose control over their exercise habits, act compulsively, and experience negative consequences). As no prior study has evaluated the role of metacognitions in compulsive exercising, the current study aimed to: (i) develop a self-report questionnaire measuring metacognitions about exercise; and (ii) to investigate the contribution of metacognitions to compulsive exercising. A 15 item self-report questionnaire, the Metacognitions about Exercise Questionnaire (MEPQ), was developed and administered to a community sample of 496 exercisers (F = 49.2%, mean age: 39.38, SD = 14.08). Factor analysis revealed a 4-factor solution (which explained 67.22% of variance; fit indices: χ2 (84) = 176.12, p

Item does not contain fulltext Building upon previous research that has already established a negative association between gender scripts' endorsement and female sexual functioning, the present study tested a model that explains how gender scripts’ endorsement may affect female sexual functioning through perceived sexual pressure, compliance with unwanted sex, and sexual subjectivity. A community sample of 390 women (mean age = 23.98 ± 4 years; age range: 18-35 years) completed measures of gender scripts' endorsement, sexual pressure, sexual subjectivity, sexual functioning, depression, and anxiety. The assessed structural model produced an adequate fit to the data (χ2 = 41.93, df = 14, p = .0002; χ2/df = 2.99; RMSEA [90%CI] = .07 [.05-.08]; CFI = .95; SRMR = .05). Variables accounted for 42% of the variance in sexual functioning levels. We found evidence for two paths linking gender scripts' endorsement to sexual functioning: in the first path the association was mediated by the level of sexual subjectivity; in the second path the association was mediated by perceived sexual pressure and by the frequency of compliance with unwanted sex. The present study represents a step toward a better understanding of the socio-cultural and psychological mechanisms underlying the link between gender scripts and female sexual functioning; theoretical and clinical implications are discussed. 12 p.

Purpose Emotional eating is a trans-diagnostic dimension in eating disorders and is present in many other conditions that could affect eating attitudes. At present, there is no instrument that measures emotional eating evaluating both the intensity and the frequency of emotion-induced desire to eat. The aim of the study was the validation of the Florence Emotional Eating Drive (FEED). Methods A sample of healthy volunteers was initially enrolled to explore internal consistency and test–retest reliability. The Emotional Eating Scale (EES), Eating Disorders Evaluation-Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Binge Eating Scale (BES) and Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90-R), together with the final version of FEED, were administered to a clinical sample composed by patients with eating disorders, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, to explore the underlying structure of the questionnaire and verify its validity. Results FEED showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.96) and test–retest reliability (r = 0.93). FEED scores were higher in patients with BN and BED than in AN patients, negatively correlated with age and positively with BES and EES. Multiple regression analysis showed that FEED, but not EES, was independently associated with SCL-90-R and EDE-Q scores. Conclusion FEED internal consistency and test–retest reliability were excellent. The addition of specific questions on the frequency of behaviours led to a better component structure and robustness compared to EES. A tool that reliably and specifically assesses eating behaviours driven by emotional states may be extremely useful in clinical settings. Level of evidence Level V, cross-sectional study.

This study aims to investigate whether Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and bodily dissociation vary depending on the most frequently used game genre. Seven hundred and fifteen highly engaged online players (71.5% men; mean age 29.75 ± 7.48 years) recruited in player communities completed a survey that assessed game genre, bodily dissociative experiences and IGD. The results showed significantlly higher levels of IGD among multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBA) and massively multiplayer online role-playing games players relative to first-person shooters (FPS) game players, whilst MOBA players report significantly higher bodily dissociative experiences compared to MORPG and FPS. However, we found that differences on body dissociation disappear at high levels of IGD, with problematic players showing high body disconnection, regardless of the type of game most frequently used. This suggests that high engagement in online games has the potential to disconnect a player from his body, regardless of the type of game used.

The psychological mechanisms that potentially underlie the negative correlation between narcissism and relationship satisfaction are unknown. This study examined the potential mediating role of per...

This study experimentally investigated the effects of a multiple exposure to appearance-focused real Instagram profile images on body image among both genders. Experimental group participants were 54 young non-Instagram users (F = 50%) who were assigned to view a set of appearance-focused real Instagram profiles for a one-week period and were compared with the same-age non-exposed group (n = 76; F = 50%). Results showed that a multiple exposure to appearance-focused real Instagram profiles of attractive same-sex people led to greater body dissatisfaction among women. Moreover, women in the experimental group showed an increase in the extent to which they define themselves and their self-worth by their physical appearance. Among men, we did not find an effect of exposure to same-sex attractive images on muscular dissatisfaction, fat dissatisfaction, and investment in body image, although a tendency toward an increment of the scores was observed for all the dependent variables. Implications for future research on Instagram use and body image are also discussed.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting societal restrictions have had negative implications for mental health in the general population. The aims of the present longitudinal study were (i) to investigate changes in psychopathological symptoms and psychological well-being in a sample of Italian individuals surveyed at different points of the pandemic and (ii) to evaluate the potential risk and protective factors associated with the psychopathological outcomes. Self-reported data on psychiatric symptoms, and psychological well-being were collected in March 2020 (T0, the lockdown phase), in May 2020 (T1, the end of the lockdown phase), and in November 2020 (T2, the second wave of COVID-19 infection). 1258 participants (M

Background and aims In the current study we have sought to clarify the contribution of metacognitions concerning smartphone use relative to smartphone use expectancies in the relationship between well-established predisposing psychological factors and problematic smartphone use (PSU). We tested a model where psychological distress, impulsivity, and proneness to boredom predict metacognitions about smartphone use and smartphone use expectancies, which in turn predict PSU. Methods A sample of 535 participants (F = 71.2%; mean age = 27.38 ± 9.05 years) was recruited. Results The model accounted for 64% of the PSU variance and showed good fit indices (χ 2 = 16.01, df = 13, P = 0.24; RMSEA [90%CI] = 0.02 [0–0.05], CFI = 0.99; SRMR = 0.03). We found that: (i) when it comes to psychological distress and boredom proneness, negative metacognitions, and both positive and negative expectancies play a mediating role in the association with PSU, with negative metacognitions showing a dominant role; (ii) there is no overlap between positive expectancies and positive metacognitions, especially when it comes to smartphone use as a means for socializing; (iii) impulsivity did not show a significant effect on PSU Direct effects of the predictors on PSU were not found. Discussion and conclusions The current study found additional support for applying metacognitive theory to the understanding of PSU and highlight the dominant role of negative metacognitions about smartphone in predicting PSU.

The Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS) is widely used, but psychometric evidence by applying Item Response Theory (IRT) is lacking. Considering the advantages of this psychometric approach, the aim of study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the BFAS among adolescents and young adults. Participants were 1134 (50% males, Mean age = 20.7, SD = 3.5, range = 14–33 years) Italian high school students and undergraduates. The unidimensionality of the scale was confirmed (χ2/df = 2.8, CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.98, and RMSEA = 0.04 [C.I. = 0.02–0.06]) and IRT analysis showed that the scale assesses medium and high levels of the trait, and that it is useful in order to discriminate different levels of Problematic Facebook use (PFU) within this range of trait, in which the scale is sufficiently informative. The relationships of BFAS θ scores with theoretically related constructs provided support to the validity of the scale. In accordance with previous studies, BFAS scores were positively correlated with Problematic Internet use and problematic Social Network use, negatively correlated with self-esteem, and positively related to loneliness. The Differential Item Functioning (DIF) analysis showed that BFAS is invariant across gender, and only one item had uniform and small-in-size DIF. Additionally, we tested age invariance. Since only 17% of the BFAS items were non-invariant, we determined that the BFAS exhibited minor non-invariance as a whole. An analysis of the adequacy of the polythetic and monothetic criteria to define the range of the trait indicative of problematic use was also conducted. Overall, this study offers evidence that BFAS is a valuable and useful scale for measuring high levels of PFU among Italian adolescents and young adults.