Portuguese Validation of a Reduced Version of the IAT (Internet Addiction Test) Scale—Youth Version

Abstract

This study adapted and assessed a shortened version of the IAT (Internet Addiction Test) scale completed by young people aged 12 years and older regarding their online behaviors and risk of online addiction. The psychometric qualities of the reduced version (Screening IAT—youth) are presented in order to validate the use of this version in the early detection of online addiction. The total sample was composed of 3021 participants that were 55.9% female and 44.1% male, with a mean age of x = 15 years (σ = 3.028), attending junior high school (56.2%), high school (37.8%), and college (5.9%). The procedure included a factorial analysis in which the total sample was randomly divided into three samples. An exploratory factor analysis was performed with one part of the sample, and a confirmatory factor analysis was performed with the other parts, assessing internal consistency, construct reliability, and discriminant validity. The results indicate that this reduced version of the IAT for young people has good psychometric qualities and that it can be applied in research and clinical settings. With this version and the parent–teacher version, there is a direct contribution to a tripartite assessment of internet addiction risk.