Predicting internet addiction through object relations and ego strength: The moderating role of gender

Abstract

ObjectivesThe present study aimed at predicting internet addiction through ego strength and object relations. It also attempted to investigate the moderating role of gender in the relationship between ego strength and object relations with internet addiction. MethodsThis descriptive study included 248 students (124 men, 124 women) at University of Tehran. Participants completed Bell Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory (BORRTI), Ego Strength Scale (ESS), and Internet Addiction Test (IAT). ResultsThe results of Regression Analysis (P≤ .05) indicated that social incompetence, egocentricity and insecure attachment had a significant and positive correlation with internet addiction while the ego strength had a significant and negative correlation with it. Similar results obtained with respect to both men and women, but the relationship between object relations components and internet addiction was stronger in men. The gender variable, however, did not play a moderating role in the relationship between object relations and ego strength with internet addiction. ConclusionIt can be concluded that egocentricity and ego strength can significantly predict internet addiction and therefore need to be considered and worked on in treatment plans and preventive measures.