Validation of the Facebook Addiction Questionnaire

Abstract

Existing self-report measures of Facebook addiction are limited by the robust application of addiction theory. This study validated a new theoretically derived measure of Facebook addiction. We hypothesized a single dimension construct of Facebook addiction based on Griffith's model would best fit the data. Competing alternative models included those based on DSM-5 substance-related and addictive disorder criteria. A cross-sectional sample of college students (18–25 years) with an active Facebook account (N = 431) completed the Facebook Intrusion Questionnaire (FIQ) and additional items measuring all of Griffiths' symptom components and the DSM-5 criteria for substance use, gambling, and Internet gaming; and validated measures of Internet addiction, personality, and mental health. A confirmatory factor analysis indicated a single-factor 14-item solution based on Griffith's model did not fit the data. A modified 10-item solution was the preferred measurement model due to brevity and stronger psychometric properties. This model demonstrated superior fit to alternative DSM-5-based models and the FIQ, while retaining theoretical consistency. The new 10-item measure, the Facebook Addiction Questionnaire (FAQ) demonstrated good reliability and construct validity. The 10-item FAQ is a reliable, valid, and brief measure of Facebook addiction that is theoretically and empirically superior to previous measures of Facebook addiction.