Application analysis of thematic apperception test in the internet addiction

Abstract

Objective To understand the potential internet addicts personality traits through the use of Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) and provide evidence for psychological therapy. Methods The experimental group included 34 outpatients defined as Internet Addiction Scale (IAS)≥ 5 points, and the control group included 34 volunteers with the same age and the common cultural backgroud and defined as IAS < 5 points. Results Compared with the control group, the internet addiction group had a higher desire projects including antisocial aggression (4.83±2.16), substance destroy (2.56±1.61), intraggression (3.40±2.43) and passivity desires (2.65±2.29) (P<0.05). In contrast, the internet addiction group had a lower desire projects including achievements(2.31±2.14), domination (1.51±1.29), nurturance (2.30±2.34) , succorance(1.80±1.25)(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the internet addiction group had a higher pressure projects include emotion (3.90±2.81), emotional language offensive attack (3.62±2.18), physical social aggression (2.73±2.23), physical antisocial aggressive (3.95±1.88), substance destroy (3.33±1.78), nuturanced (4.53±2.57), rejected (2.18±2.19), loss (4.01±2.41), physical danger pressure (2.65±2.37) and total pressure (49.49±36.16) (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion Internet addiction patients have potential personality with ultra-low in superego, lack in ego, possess stronger in id. Outpatient treatment with internet addicts should focus on psychotherapy, and improve interpersonal relationships. Key words: Internet addiction disorder; Thematic apperception test; Potential personality; Psychoanalysis