مجله علوم روانشناختی (Dec 2022)
Testing the internet addiction model based on psychopathological aspects, personality, and social cognition mediated by coping strategies and internet use expectations
Abstract
Background: Studies showed that the extreme use of the Internet that is prevalent among adolescents today affects their depression, social anxiety, and academic performance, communication with parents, self-esteem, and efficiency. Internet use expectancies and coping strategies also affect the relationship between the underlying factors and Internet addiction. Aims: In this regard, this study examined the model of predicting Internet addiction in high school students. Methods: This was a descriptive-correlational study and its population was all male and female high school students in Gorgan city. Research instruments included the Young Internet addiction test (2013), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (1965), the Schwartz Self-Efficacy Scale (1995), inventory for chronic stress (Schultz, 2004), brief cope (Carver,1997) and Wegmanns Internet use expectancies. Results: The findings showed that the aspects of psychological pathology have no significant effect on Internet addiction (P> 0. 1). But personality aspects and social cognitions have a negative effect on Internet addiction (P<0.01). Also, the effect of Internet usage expectations on the relationship between pathology and Internet addiction (P<0.913); between personality aspects and internet addiction (P<0.917), and on the relationship between social aspects and internet addiction (P<0.951) is not significant. Additionally, coping strategies have a positive and significant effect on the relationship between pathology and Internet addiction (P<0.000) and have a negative and significant effect on the relationship between personality and Internet addiction (P<0.000). Conclusion: It seems that controlling mood and anxiety symptoms, teaching strategies to increase self-efficacy, self-esteem, perceived social support and coping skills, and changing Internet use expectations are helpful in preventing the development and maintenance of Internet addiction.
