Dear Colleagues,

The rapid advancement of technology and changes in contemporary lifestyles have profoundly transformed leisure and entertainment habits. Alongside the growing popularity of video games among young people, other behaviors such as problematic gambling or excessive use of social media have raised concerns about their potential impact on mental health and well-being. These patterns, often referred to as behavioral addictions, share clinical features with substance use disorders including loss of control, preoccupation, tolerance, withdrawal, and significant interference with daily functioning.

Internet Gaming Disorder, listed as a condition for further study in Section III of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), represents one of the most widely investigated examples of behavioral addictions. However, research in recent years has expanded to explore other emerging problematic behaviors that may have equally profound psychosocial consequences. This growing body of evidence highlights the urgent need to better understand the characteristics, risk factors, and mechanisms underlying behavioral addictions in diverse populations, particularly in young people.

This Special Issue aims to advance knowledge on behavioral addictions by addressing their assessment and exploring the diverse individual, social, and contextual factors linked to these conditions. We invite contributions that examine sociodemographic variables, patterns of use, psychopathological correlates, and cognitive and emotional processes across different behavioral addictions, including but not limited to gaming, gambling, and social media. Additionally, we welcome studies that develop or validate assessment tools applicable to various behavioral addictions and across cultural contexts.

Our goal is to provide a comprehensive perspective that supports the development of effective prevention and intervention strategies. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and innovative research, this Special Issue seeks to establish a robust foundation for understanding behavioral addictions and their intricate interactions within the broader context of youth development and public health.

Prof. Mónica Bernaldo-de-Quirós
Guest Editor