The relation of baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia to problematic internet use: Impulsiveness and difficulties in emotion regulation matter

The aim of this study was to test the relation of baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia (BRSA) to PIU and the mediating role of impulsiveness (IM) and difficulties in emotion regulation (DER) underlying this association using data from a group of Chinese young adults. A total of 109 (Mage = 18.94 years old, SD = 0.92; 69 men) Chinese undergraduate students participated in this study and completed questionnaires on IM, DER and PIU. BRSA was collected during a resting condition at a laboratory setting. Results showed that BRSA was negatively related to PIU, with IM and DER both independently and completely mediating this association. These findings enrich our understanding on the psychophysiological correlates of young adults' problematic internet use.