Sylka, N.V.

Background. In the context of increasing uncertainty and information overload in modern society, the study of resilience as an internal factor mediating the success of overcoming stress and adapting to a changing reality is becoming relevant. Of particular interest is the study of the biological prerequisites of resilience, in particular the Val158Met polymorphism of the COMT gene, associated with the regulation of dopaminergic activity and individual differences in cognitive and emotional regulation.

Objectives. To study the relationship between resilience and Internet addiction in modern youth and to consider the role of the Val158Met polymorphism of the COMT gene and individual symptoms of Internet addiction in the formation of individual differences in the level of resilience.

Study Participants. The study involved 193 participants aged 18 to 25 years (Mage = 19.37; SD = 2.1; 85% women), students majoring in the humanities.

Methods. The Russian version of the Maddi's Hardiness Test, adapted by Osin, was used to assess resilience, Chen's scale adapted by Malygin and Feklisov was used to measure internet addiction, and the Information Behavior Strategies method was used to study information behavior. Genotyping of the Val158Met polymorphism of the COMT gene was performed using the PCR method.

Results. Genotype at the Val158Met polymorphism in the COMT gene was shown to predict differences in resilience after accounting for the influence of information behavior intensity and internet addiction symptom severity. Regression analysis also revealed an interaction between the genotype and indicators of destructive information behavior strategies and internet addiction symptoms.

Conclusions. The study allows us to conclude that the association between the COMT genotype and resilience manifests in the context of specific behavioral and psychological factors related to internet use.