The Role of Self-Control and Identity Status as Predictors of Internet Addiction among Israeli-Palestinian College Students in Israel

Abstract

The rising immersion of the internet within global society has been associated with an increased risk of internet addiction, and prevalence rates are particularly high in Arab countries. Notably, adolescents living in Arab societies may have unique challenges that may elevate the likelihood of exhibiting internet addiction, though this population is understudied. Thus, the current work investigated whether self-control and identity style were related to internet addiction among a sample of Israeli-Palestinian adolescents. Participants (n = 500) completed self-report measures to assess the associations of self-control and four identity styles (achieved, diffused, foreclosed, and moratorium) with internet addiction. Correlational analyses and a multiple regression model were used to examine these associations. The multiple regression model demonstrated that (1) higher levels of self-control predicted lower levels of internet addiction (β = − .20, p < .01); (2) achieved (β = − .24, p < .01) and moratorium (β = − .22, p < .01) statuses predicted lower levels of internet addiction; and (3) foreclosed (β = .18, p < .01) and diffused (β = .16, p < .01) statuses predicted higher levels of internet addiction. These findings are consistent with previous literature in samples from Western cultures regarding the contribution of self-control and identity style in decreasing risky behaviors in general and addictive behaviors specifically. Thus, the current research indicates the importance of these variables in non-Western societies as well.