The Roles of Internet Addiction and Cyberbullying Sensitivity for Prediction of University Students Psychological Inflexibility

Abstract

In this research, it is aimed to examine the role of internet addiction and cyberbullying sensitivity on the psychological inflexibility of university students. The study group was formed with university students studying in the state and selected by the random cluster sampling method. The relational screening model was used in the research. 561 university students, including 473 girls and 88 boys, participated in the research. Acceptance and Action Form-2, Young Internet Addiction Short Form, Cyber Bullying Sensitivity Scale, and Personal Information Form were used to collect the data for the research. Independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance Pearson Product Moments Correlation Technique, and multiple linear regression analysis were used in the research. As a result, the average psychological inflexibility scores of students with a low perceived family income level were found to be significantly higher than those of students with a moderate perceived family income. It was found that the psychological inflexibility score averages of the group whose purpose of using the Internet is to shop were higher than the psychological inflexibility score averages of the group using the Internet for information purposes. As the daily usage of social media increases, the average psychological inflexibility score increases. There is a significant positive relationship between Internet addiction and psychological inflexibility. There is a significant positive relationship between sensitivity and psychological inflexibility related to cyberbullying. According to the research findings, it has been found that the sensitivity related to internet addiction and cyberbullying is a predictor of psychological inflexibility scores.