Validation of the Revised Chen Internet Addition Scale for Chinese Older Adults

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to revise the Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS-R) among older adults in China. Method: 1,107 participants were recruited through an online survey. The factorial structure, reliability, and validity of the CIAS-R were tested. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed to distinguish individuals’ Internet addiction membership. Results: The first-order five-factor model was demonstrated to best explain the underlying structure of the CIAS-R among the elderly in China. Time spent online, sense of loneliness, and depression provided evidence for the criterion validity of the CIAS-R. The magnitude of the correlation coefficients indicated Internet addiction may lead to psychological problems. LPA analysis showed the elderly could be clustered into four types based on their Internet addiction severity. Conclusion: The CIAS-R is a reliable and valid measure of Internet addiction among the elderly. This study offers a feasible way to intervene in the addicted aged for social workers and clinicians.