Dynamic Interplay Between Internet Addiction and Anxiety Across Distinct Loneliness Trajectories in Adolescents: A Cross-Lagged Panel Network Analysis

Purpose Loneliness is a prevalent psychological issue among adolescents. Anxiety and internet addiction (IA) are the most closely associated negative consequences of loneliness. Although prior research found a significant connection between the three, many of them overlooked individuals' distinct loneliness trajectories and their directional relationship at the symptom level. The purpose of this study was to identify complicated relationships and comorbidity models linking loneliness, anxiety, and IA across distinct trajectories of loneliness among adolescents. Methods The sample consisted of 1,720 adolescents from Yunnan, China, with data collected at two time points: T1 (October 2024) and T2 (March 2025). The UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) were used to conduct the assessments. Cross-lagged panel network models were employed to investigate the various longitudinal associations between loneliness, anxiety, and IA symptoms over loneliness trajectories. Results Four distinct loneliness trajectories were identified: stable low, growing, decreasing, and stable high. The stable low trajectory was defined by 'Social isolation' (L1), the increasing trajectory by 'Nervousness' (A1), the decreasing trajectory by 'Worry too much' (A3), and the stable high trajectory by 'Excessive use' (I2). Loneliness sensations acted as bridge symptoms, connecting various elements of the network. Conclusion This innovative study demonstrates distinct loneliness trajectories and their bridging role in the comorbid network, providing vital insights for personalized mental health therapies to reduce loneliness, anxiety and IA.