Behavioral Addictions and Stress Reactivity as Predictors of Social Cognition in University Students

Social cognition, particularly theory of mind (ToM), is critical for adaptive social functioning. However, the combined effects of stress, behavioral addictions, and maladaptive health behaviors on social cognition in nonclinical populations remain underexplored. We examined predictors of social cognition, as measured by the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET), focusing on addiction, mental health and stress-related variables. A sample of 978 university students participated in an observational study, including stress reactivity, Internet gaming disorder, gambling, orthorexia, anxiety, and depression. Gambling and gaming were the strongest predictors of impaired RMET performance (R 2 = 0.257 and 0.231, respectively). Scores on the Orthorexia Nervosa Scale were negatively associated with RMET, while scores on the Healthy Orthorexia Scale showed minimal effects. Anxiety and depression made minimal contributions. Behavioral addictions and maladaptive eating behaviors significantly predict impairments but in some case improvements in social cognition. Targeted interventions addressing these factors may improve social functioning.