The serial mediating role of metacognitive beliefs and experiential avoidance in the effect of digital addiction on alexithymia among young adults

This study was aimed to examine the predictive effect of digital addiction on alexithymia among young adults and to test the individual and serial mediating roles of metacognitive beliefs and experiential avoidance in this relationship. The study was conducted within the scope of the survey model, and the study group consisted of a total of 432 young adults, including 228 women (51.9%) and 204 men (48.1%). Data were obtained through the Personal Information Form, Digital Addiction Scale, Metacognitions Questionnaire-30, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, and Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and path analysis were used in the analysis of the data; the direct and indirect effects of digital addiction on alexithymia were evaluated within the framework of a serial mediation model by controlling for gender, age, and average daily internet use duration. The findings showed that there were positive and significant relationships among digital addiction, metacognitive beliefs, experiential avoidance, and alexithymia. According to the results of the serial mediation model, digital addiction had a direct effect on alexithymia; additionally, its indirect effects through metacognitive beliefs and experiential avoidance were also found to be significant. The study indicates the importance of considering cognitive and experiential processes in explaining the relationship between digital addiction and young adults’ difficulties in recognizing, understanding, and expressing their emotions.