Collection Overview

Scientific Reports has launched a Guest-Edited Collection on Behavioural addictions.

Behavioural addictions are non-substance-related addictive behaviours that are characterised by an intense desire to repeat actions that are pleasurable or alleviate personal distress. Such addictions might relate to gambling, gaming, social media and internet use, shopping, exercise, work, and sexual behaviour, among others. The negative effects of behavioural addictions are similar to those of substance use disorders, hence research in this domain is critical for planning mental health interventions.

This will be a Collection of original research papers and will be open for submissions from all authors – on the condition that the manuscripts fall within the scope of the Collection and of Scientific Reports more generally. We are welcoming submissions until 29th January 2026.

Why is this Collection important? 

"Behavioural addictions—such as gambling, gaming, internet use, and compulsive shopping—are increasingly recognized as serious public health concerns. Unlike substance-based addictions, these disorders often go undetected yet can have equally profound psychological, social, and neurological impacts. This Collection is vital in advancing understanding and developing effective interventions. I’m excited about its potential to bring interdisciplinary perspectives together and challenge outdated stigmas. By highlighting cutting-edge research and underexplored areas, this collection aims to shape future policy, clinical practice, and public awareness. Researchers should submit here to contribute to a rapidly evolving and socially urgent field." - Kamila Rachubińska

"Behavioural addictions represent a growing challenge in modern societies, often overlooked compared to substance use disorders. This Collection is timely and crucial for expanding our understanding of non-substance-related compulsive behaviors, such as gambling, and internet addiction and its treatment. I'm excited about its potential to bridge clinical practice and research. It offers a valuable opportunity for researchers to contribute to a rapidly evolving field with high public health relevance" - Pasquale Caponnetto

"This Collection on behavioral addictions addresses a growing and often overlooked area within mental health and neuroscience. As behaviors like gaming, gambling, pornography, and compulsive internet use increasingly impact individuals and societies, understanding their mechanisms and consequences is more critical than ever. I'm excited about this Collection because it brings needed attention to non-substance-related addictions and encourages research that can inform prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Its impact could help in shaping how we conceptualize and address addictive disorders. Researchers should submit to this collection to contribute to a cutting-edge dialogue and help advance a field with significant clinical and public health relevance." - Thiago Henrique Roza

"This topic holds significant relevance to the broader community, as misconceptions about behavioural addiction, particularly the belief that prolonged use alone constitutes addiction, remain widespread. Such misunderstandings can lead to unwarranted anxiety and stigma among individuals and families. By publishing in this reputable open-access journal, research findings becomes freely accessible to the public, healthcare professionals, and educators. This transparent dissemination of evidence-based insights plays a vital role in correcting misinformation, promoting informed awareness, and supporting mental health literacy. Ultimately, it helps reduce unnecessary stress and fosters a more accurate understanding of behavioural patterns in today’s digital age." - Soon Li Lee

Why submit to a Collection? 

Collections like this one help promote high-quality science. They are led by Guest Editors, who are experts in their fields, and In-House Editors and are supported by a dedicated team of Commissioning Editors and Managing Editors at Springer Nature. Collection manuscripts typically see higher citations, downloads, and Altmetric scores, and provide a one-stop-shop on a cutting-edge topic of interest. 

Who is involved? 

Guest Editors:

• Pasquale Caponnetto, University of Catania, Italy
• Soon Li Lee, Monash University Malaysia, Malaysia
• Kamila Rachubińska, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland
• Thiago Henrique Roza, Federal University of Parana, Brazil

Internal Team:

• In-House Editor: Petroula Mousikou, Scientific Reports, Germany
• Commissioning Editor: Stuart Weir, Fully OA Brands, Springer Nature, UK
• Managing Editor: Rebecca Chan, Fully OA Brands, Springer Nature, UK

How can I submit my paper? 

Visit the Collection page to find out more about this Collection and how to submit your article.