TY  - EJOU
AU  - Wang, Yihong 
AU  - Ye, Baojuan 
AU  - Xu, Jing 
AU  - Chen, Ting 
AU  - Zhang, Xing 
AU  - Xie, Jin 
AU  - Dai, Qi 

TI  - The Relationship between Relative Deprivation and Generative AI Dependency among College Students: A Variable-Centered and Person-Centered Approach
T2  - International Journal of Mental Health Promotion

PY  - 
VL  - 
IS  - 
SN  - 2049-8543

AB  - <b>Backgrounds:</b> As an increasing number of college students rely on Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) in academic work and social interaction, concerns about its potential negative effects have emerged. This study aims to address this gap by examining the relationship between relative deprivation and Gen AI dependency among college students. <b>Methods:</b> This study included 1583 college students. Four validated instruments were employed: the Relative Deprivation Scale, Psychological Entitlement Scale, Self-Handicapping Scale, and Artificial Intelligence Chatbot Dependence Scale. Bivariate correlation analysis, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for testing mediation, Latent Profile Analysis (LPA), and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were conducted. <b>Results:</b> Research has found a significant association between relative deprivation and Gen AI dependency. Psychological entitlement and self-handicapping each showed significant indirect effects, with effect sizes of 0.044 and 0.146, respectively. Additionally, the serial indirect effect of these two factors was significant, with an indirect effect of 0.028. LPA based on relative deprivation and Gen AI dependency identified three profiles: the low, moderate, and high co-occurrence levels. Students in different profiles exhibited statistically significant differences in their traits. <b>Conclusions:</b> This study uses variable- and person-centered analyses to examine the association between relative deprivation and Gen AI dependency, as well as related associations with psychological entitlement and self-handicapping. It provides initial theoretical support for rational Gen AI use.
KW  - Relative deprivation; psychological entitlement; self-handicapping; generative AI dependency; college students

DO  - 10.32604/ijmhp.2026.083405