A Compulsive Search for Love Online: A Path Analysis Model of Adult Anxious Attachment, Rejection Sensitivity, and Problematic Dating App Use

Dating apps have become increasingly popular for seeking romantic partners. However, for a minority of individuals, their use can become problematic, making the study of risk factors increasingly relevant. Moreover, attachment-related vulnerabilities and sensitivity to rejection have been consistently associated with maladaptive relational behaviors and emotional dysregulation, which may increase susceptibility to problematic app use as a compensatory strategy. The present study explored the risk factors for problematic online dating app use among adults who use dating apps to find romantic partners, by specifically focusing on the role of adult anxious attachment and adult rejection sensitivity. A cross-sectional anonymous online survey was used to collect the data. The sample comprised 450 participants (54.9% female; Mage = 27.57 years; SD = 6.044) who had used dating apps daily to find a romantic partner. The data were analysed using path analysis to test the hypothesized model. Significant total effects were found in the relationships between the anxious adult attachment patterns and problematic online dating apps use (preoccupied attachment: β =.11, p <.01; fearful attachment: β =.18, p <.001). This association was mediated by adult rejection sensitivity (rejection expectancy and rejection anxiety). Problematic online dating apps use was also significantly and positively related to daily time spent on dating apps (β =.41, p <.05). These findings demonstrate the critical role of attachment-related vulnerabilities and rejection sensitivity in favouring problematic dating app use. Such data may provide useful insight to inform targeted clinical interventions.