Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 Research Articles

The Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 in a Polish sample: psychometric validation and relationship with specific Internet-related disorders and psychosocial functioning.

The present study aimed to adapt and psychometrically validate the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2) based on the cognitive-behavioral model of problematic Internet use. Furthermore, the study aimed to examine the relationship between problematic Internet use and other specific Internet-related disorders (i.e., social networking sites addiction, Facebook addiction, and problematic pornography use), as well as the relationships with indicators of poor psychosocial functioning. GPIUS2 was administered to 1155 young Internet users. Participants completed a survey assessing problematic Internet use, specific Internet related-disorders, and indicators of poor psychosocial functioning (anxious and avoidant attachment, social anxiety, and loneliness) via two measuring contexts (online and offline). The results support a four-factor internal structure of the GPIUS2, similar to that initially proposed and the results of the previous studies. GPIUS2 demonstrated good reliability as well as scalar invariance across online and offline measured contexts. Problematic Internet use is a multidimensional construct rather than a one-dimensional construct with strong but not overlapping positive relations with the other specific Internet-related disorders. Those relationships are especially strong among problematic activities related to the social context of Internet use. Furthermore, our findings prove the theoretical assumptions that psychosocial problems and poor social skills are related to problematic Internet use.

The Japanese version of the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2): Psychometric evaluation and analysis of the theoretical model.

The Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2) is a self-administered questionnaire that evaluates problematic internet use (PIU) from a multidimensional perspective. We analysed the psychometric properties and adequacy of the theoretical model of Japanese version of the GPIUS2. This study included 291 healthy Japanese adults (median age = 25 years; interquartile range 22-43 years; 128 women) who completed the GPIUS2 and several other questionnaires evaluating the degree of PIU, self-esteem, depression, and impulsivity. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed a similar factor structure between the original and Japanese versions of the GPIUS2, with only minor differences in item composition. Higher-order confirmatory factor analyses revealed a good overall fit for the factorial model suggested by EFA, indicating adequate construct validity. The model showed acceptable internal consistency. Partial correlation analyses between GPIUS2 and other measures, with age as a control variable, revealed good convergent validity. Finally, structural equation modelling showed a good fit to the data, supporting the cognitive-behavioural model of Caplan (2010). The Japanese version of the GPIUS2 has good psychometric properties and the theoretical model of the original GPIUS2 is applicable to Japanese adults.

Зависимость и проблемное использование интернета среди девушек и женщин: распространенность, основные проявления, диагностические инструменты (обзор российских исследований)

Introduction. The article provides data on the prevalence of internet-addicted behavior. Aims. The purpose of the article is to analyze studies devoted to addiction and problematic use of the Internet among girls and young women in the Russian Federation. Methods. The review is based on national researches and international monitoring projects, which include analysis of the situation in Russia. Results. The key gender features of Internet addiction, specific to girls and young women, mentioned in the article are: vulnerability to the formation of Internet addictive behavior in the presence of emotional distress signs (alexithymia, fear of negative evaluation, social anxiety); more pronounced manifestations of addictive behavior, including compulsive symptoms, withdrawal symptoms and tolerance, as well as mood changes, irritability, anxiety, depression and anxiety. The measures for the internet- addiction that have good predictive validity are presented (the CIAS (Chen Internet Addiction Scale), validated on a sample of young Russian adults in 2021; the GPIUS2 (Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2), validated among adolescents and youth in 2018).

Reality Group Counseling for Indonesian-Malaysian Muslim Students with Problematic Internet Use: Is it Effective? If So, How Does It Work?

Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is one of the factors that influence mental health and psychosocial issues, particularly for students. However, limited research when it comes to such specificities as Muslim students. This research was designed to examine the effectiveness of reality group counseling in reducing the level of PIU on Muslim students. A quantitative approach with quasi-experiment pretest-posttest control group design was administered to examine the impact of reality group counseling on PIU. Twenty-eight Muslim students (14 junior and 14 high school students), from Indonesia and Malaysia, were participated in the study. Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2) was employed to measure the PIU and was analyzed using mixed ANOVA. The results showed that reality group counseling was significantly reduced the PIU level of participants in both countries. Thus, it can be concluded that reality group counseling should be implemented to treat Muslim students with a high level of PIU. The research findings and limitations are discussed.

Problematic internet use in adolescents and implementation of a social media hygiene protocol

PurposeThis quality improvement project aimed to evaluate whether a social media hygiene education intervention designed for adolescents with problematic internet use (PIU) receiving treatment at a pediatric outpatient mental health clinic reduced PIU and/or improved mental health outcomes in adolescents. MethodsParticipants were 28 adolescents (71.4% females, mean age = 14.2 years) with PIU seeking outpatient mental health treatment. The most common associated diagnoses were anxiety (42.9%) and attention-deficit activity disorder (28.6%). A within-adolescent pre-post design was used to evaluate changes in PIU severity measured by the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale-2 (GPIUS-2), depression and anxiety severity was assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety and Depression Scale (PHQ-ADS), and screen time defined as the average hours/day during past 7-days recorded of the adolescent's smartphone. The practice change was an ad hoc social media hygiene education intervention conducted by their provider over five, once-a-week, one-hour telehealth sessions. ResultsA significant reduction in screen time (paired t = 10.14, df = 27, p < 0.001), severity of PIU (paired t = 12.07, df = 27, p < 0.001), and severity of depression and/or anxiety symptoms (paired t = 8.3, df = 27, p < 0.001) was demonstrated. Large effect sizes were observed (Cohen d = 1.6 to 2.3). Attendance for each session was 100% for Weeks 1, 2 and 5, 93% for Week 3 and 89% for Week 4. ConclusionThe findings suggest administration of a social-media hygiene protocol conducted via telehealth may reduce the severity of PIU and improve mental health outcomes in adolescents seeking outpatient mental health treatment.

Mental Health Problems and Their Association With Internet Use in Medical Residents.

Objectives: Mental health problems (MHP) among medical residents are often found in clinical settings and sometimes lead to professional lapses. Evidence suggests that excessive Internet use is associated with MHP. We investigated the MHP of residents (depression, anxiety, and self-esteem) and their association with Internet use using a longitudinal design.Methods: Participants were 208 residents. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) were used to assess anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. The Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2) was used to measure Internet use. Data were obtained twice, at baseline and 3 months later when the risk of MHP in residency is highest.Results: Residents with MHP (N = 36) had higher GHQ scores than those without MHP (N = 172) at follow-up. Residents with MHP had more depression and less self-esteem than those without MHP at baseline and follow-up. GPIUS2 total scores, and scores on the subscale preference for online social communication, were higher in residents with MHP. Preference for online social communication at follow-up was positively correlated with depression at baseline and follow-up, and negatively correlated with self-esteem at follow-up.Conclusions: Depression and self-esteem may predict Internet use when the risk of MHP is greatest for residents, indicating potential risks of excessive Internet use or Internet use as a compensatory coping behavior. Together with depression and self-esteem assessment, Internet use may be a useful index of resident mental health.

An online survey of problematic internet use and its correlates among undergraduate medical students of Nepal

BackgroundInternet use has increased exponentially over the past two decades, and problematic internet use has become a problem worldwide. Considering the paucity of literature in the Nepalese context, we aimed to explore this entity and its correlates among undergraduate medical students in Nepal. MethodologyThis is an online cross-sectional survey among 166 students pursuing the undergraduate course at a medical school in Nepal. The tools used for assessment were semi-structured proforma (basic demographic and internet use pattern), a brief version of Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale-2 (GPIUS2), Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire-Short Form and Academic Justice Scale. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis (bivariate analysis followed by multiple linear regression) was performed. ResultsThe mean age of the study sample was 21.93 ± 2.45 years, with males outnumbering the females. Out of a total of 166 students, 53 students (31.9 %) scored higher than 40 on GPIUS2 indicating problematic internet use. The male gender, lesser duration of weekly physical or sports activity, lower life satisfaction, and presence of self-perceived mental health disorder or problems were significantly associated with higher GPIUS2 scores, indicating an increased risk of having problematic internet use. ConclusionThe present study highlights the different correlates of problematic internet use among medical school students in the Nepalese context. Further studies should be conducted in representative samples from Nepal with a more robust methodology to confirm the findings of the present study.

Correlates of Problematic Internet Use among college and university students in eight countries: An international cross-sectional study.

Internet use has increased worldwide exponentially over the past two decades, with no up-to-date cross-country comparison of Problematic Internet Use (PIU) and its correlates available. The present study aimed to explore the pattern and correlates of PIU across different countries in the European and the Asian continent. Further, the stability of factors associated with PIU across different countries were assessed. An international, cross-sectional study with a total of 2749 participants recruited from universities/colleges of eight countries: Bangladesh, Croatia, India, Nepal, Turkey, Serbia, Vietnam, and United Arab Emirates (UAE). Participants completed the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale -2 (GPIUS2) assessing PIU, and the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety-Depression Scale (PHQ-ADS) assessing the depressive and anxiety symptoms. A total of 2643 participants (mean age 21.3 ± 2.6; 63% females) were included in the final analysis. The overall prevalence of PIU for the entire sample was 8.4% (range 1.6% to 12.6%). The mean GPIUS2 standardized scores were significantly higher among participants from the five Asian countries when compared to the three European countries. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were the most stable and strongest factors associated with PIU across different countries and cultures. The PIU is an important emerging mental health condition among college/university going young adults, with psychological distress being the strongest and most stable correlate of PIU across different countries and cultures in this study. The present study highlighted the importance of screening university and college students for PIU.

The pattern of problematic internet use and mental health-related internet use among psychiatric outpatients at a tertiary care center.

Objective:There is scarce literature available on the pattern of problematic internet use (PIU) and use of internet for mental health help-seeking among adult patients with psychiatric disorders in South-East Asian countries. The present study aimed to understand the pattern of PIU among adult patients attending the outpatient psychiatry services at a tertiary care center in India. Further, it aimed to explore the use of internet for seeking mental health-related information or services among them.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study recruited adult outpatients attending the outpatient psychiatry services following purposive sampling between June 2018 and December 2018. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding sociodemographic characteristics and internet use pattern of participants, including use of internet for various mental health-related purposes. The Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS-2) was used to assess the PIU. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0 software.Results:Among 155 study participants, 45 (29.03%) scored above 60 on GPIUS-2. Those with PIU were significantly younger, reported higher duration of daily internet use, and spent greater proportion of time online on activities related to social networking or social media than those with and without PIU. More than half of the participants reported internet use for seeking mental health-related information at least once in the past 1 month. There was no significant difference in the mental health-related internet use among adult patients with different psychiatric diagnoses, except for two situations. There was lesser use of internet for seeking information related to the symptoms of illness and various treatment modalities available among participants diagnosed with psychotic disorder. On the other hand, a greater use of internet for seeking information related to the symptoms of illness was reported by participants diagnosed with anxiety disorder.Conclusion:This study suggested that PIU is a frequently cooccurring condition among adult patients with primary psychiatric disorder. The importance of internet as a medium for seeking mental health information and services was observed among most of the study participants.

Problematic Internet Use in Semarang Middle School Students

Problematic internet use (PIU) or problematic internet use is a maladaptive pleasure in using the internet excessively without self-control. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for the level of problematic internet use held by high school students. To achieve this goal quantitative methods with cross-sectional design were used in this study. A total of 336 students from junior and senior high school were selected using cluster sampling technique. The research data was taken using the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2) instrument. The results showed that the average PIU level owned by students was in the medium category. Education and age levels also have a close correlation with the high level of PIU that students have. In addition there are internal and external factors that can cause students to be exposed to PIU. Thus, it is necessary to provide both preventive and curative counseling services that can help students formulate more potential activities in supporting students’ academic and social development.

Prevalence and pattern of problematic internet use among engineering students from different colleges in India.

Introduction:The college students are prone to use internet in a manner that could negatively affect several aspects of their life. The present study is one of the largest studies to be undertaken in India, aimed at understanding the existing pattern of internet use and estimating the prevalence of problematic internet use (PIU) among college students.Materials and Methods:The Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS-2) was used to assess the PIU. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to ascertain the relationship between GPIUS-2 total score and demographic and internet use-related variables.Results:Of 3973 respondents from 23 engineering colleges located in the different parts of the country, about one-fourth (25.4%) had GPIUS-2 scores suggestive of PIU. Among the variables studied, older age, greater time spent online per day, and use of internet mainly for social networking were associated with greater GPIUS-2 scores, indicating higher risk for PIU. Students who used internet mainly for academic activities and during evening hours of the day were less likely to have PIU.Conclusion:This study suggests PIU among engineering college students in India is an important public health concern. There is a need to create awareness among students, emerging adults, parents, and concerned authorities about the harms associated with PIU. Furthermore, there is a need to implement preventive strategies for inculcating pattern of safe and healthy internet usage among them. In addition, there is a need to develop public health policies for prevention and treatment of PIU and conduct further research to enhance our understanding about the same.

Neural Correlates of Non-clinical Internet Use in the Motivation Network and Its Modulation by Subclinical Autistic Traits.

Background: Increasing evidence regarding the neural correlates of excessive or pathological internet use (IU) has accumulated in recent years, and comorbidity with depression and autism has been reported in multiple studies. However, psychological and neural correlates of non-clinical IU in healthy individuals remain unclear.Objectives: The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationships between non-clinical IU and functional connectivity (FC), focusing on the brain’s motivation network. We sought to clarify the influence of depression and autistic traits on these relationships in healthy individuals.Methods: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed in 119 healthy volunteers. IU, depression, and autistic traits were assessed using the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and the autism spectrum quotient (AQ) scale, respectively. Correlational analyses were performed using CONN-software within the motivation-related network, which consisted of 22 brain regions defined by a previous response-conflict task-based fMRI study with a reward cue. We also performed mediation analyses via the bootstrap method.Results: Total GPIUS2 scores were positively correlated with FC between the (a) left middle frontal gyrus (MFG) and bilateral medial prefrontal cortex; (b) left MFG and right supplementary motor area (SMA); (c) left MFG and right anterior insula, and (d) right MFG and right insula. The “Mood Regulation” subscale of the GPIUS2 was positively correlated with FC between left MFG and right SMA. The “Deficient Self-Regulation” subscale was positively correlated with FC between right MFG and right anterior insula (statistical thresholds, FDR < 0.05). Among these significant correlations, those between GPIUS2 (total and “Mood Regulation” subscale) scores and FC became stronger after controlling for AQ scores (total and “Attention Switching” subscale), indicating significant mediation by AQ (95% CI < 0.05). In contrast, BDI-II had no mediating effect.Conclusion: Positive correlations between IU and FC in the motivation network may indicate health-promoting effects of non-clinical IU. However, this favorable association is attenuated in individuals with subclinical autistic traits, suggesting the importance of a personalized educational approach for these individuals in terms of adequate IU.

The Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale-2 in a French sample: Psychometric evaluation of the theoretical model

ObjectivesThe Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale-2 (GPIUS-2) is a short self-report questionnaire assessing Internet addiction based on a cognitive behavioral model. Our main goal was to evaluate the psychometric properties of its French version among a sample of students and to appraise the relevance of the generalized problematic Internet use model. MethodsA sample of 563 university students aged between 18 and 35 years (M=20.8; SD=2.7) completed several online self-report questionnaires including the GPIUS-2, the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the Center for Epidemiologic Study-Depression scale (CES-D). ResultsConfirmatory Factorial Analyses revealed a poor but acceptable overall fit for the original five-factor model and the original four-factor model. Path analyses, testing Structural Equation Modeling provided showed a poor fit to the data, suggesting insufficient construct validity. Convergent and concurrent validities analyzed through correlational analyses revealed significant relationships between the GPIUS-2, its factors, the IAT, time spent online and the CES-D. ConclusionsThis research highlights the insufficient psychometric properties of the GPIUS-2 in a French sample, similar to previous results. However, this French version appears to be a useful multidimensional tool for assessing problematic Internet use among students, and reveals promise for future research and clinical applications of the measure, given its solid theoretical basis and despite the results of this psychometric study.

An Affective Neuroscience Framework for the Molecular Study of Internet Addiction.

Internet addiction represents an emerging global health issue. Increasing efforts have been made to characterize risk factors for the development of Internet addiction and consequences of excessive Internet use. During the last years, classic research approaches from psychology considering personality variables as vulnerability factor, especially in conjunction with neuroscience approaches such as brain imaging, have led to coherent theoretical conceptualizations of Internet addiction. Although such conceptualizations can be valuable aid, the research field is currently lacking a comprehensive framework for determining brain-based and neurochemical markers of Internet addiction. The present work aims at providing a framework on the molecular level as a basis for future research on the neural and behavioral level, in order to facilitate a comprehensive neurobiological model of Internet addiction and its clinical symptomatology. To help establish such a molecular framework for the study of Internet addiction, we investigated in N = 680 participants associations between individual differences in tendencies toward Internet addiction measured by the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale-2 (GPIUS-2) and individual differences in primary emotional systems as assessed by the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales (ANPS). Regression analysis revealed that the ANPS scales FEAR and SADNESS were the ANPS scales most robustly positively linked to several (sub)scales of the GPIUS-2. Also the scales SEEKING, CARE and PLAY explain variance in some of the GPIUS-2 subscales. As such, these scales are negatively linked to the GPIUS-2 subscales. As the ANPS has been constructed on substantial available brain data including an extensive molecular body with respect to evolutionary highly conserved emotional circuitry in the ancient mammalian brain, the present study gives first ideas on putative molecular mechanisms underlying different facets of Internet addiction as derived from associations between tendencies toward Internet addiction and individual differences in primary emotional systems. For example, as SADNESS is linked to the overall GPIUS-2 score, and the neuropeptide oxytocin is known to downregulate SADNESS, it is conceivable that the neuropeptide might play a role in Internet addition on the molecular level. Our findings provide a theoretical framework potentially illuminating the molecular underpinnings of Internet addiction. Finally, we also present data on the ANPS and smartphone addiction at the end of the paper. Similar to the reported associations between the ANPS and the GPIUS-2, these correlations might provide an initial outline for a framework guiding future studies that aim to address the molecular basis of smartphone addiction.

Grandiose and Vulnerable Narcissists: Who Is at Higher Risk for Social Networking Addiction?

Scholars have recently taken an interest in the connection between narcissism and Internet use, especially among users who frequent social networking sites (SNSs). Conversely, the association between narcissism and problematic use of SNSs (i.e., unregulated use that leads to negative outcomes) has been scarcely investigated. This study addresses this gap by comparing the mean levels of problematic use of SNSs among grandiose narcissists, vulnerable narcissists, and non-narcissists. A sample of 535 students completed the 16-item Narcissistic Personality Inventory, the Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale, and the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale-2 (GPIUS2). Vulnerable narcissists reported (a) significant higher levels on all GPIUS2 subscales and total scores than non-narcissists and (b) a stronger preference for online social interactions and higher overall levels of problematic use of SNSs than grandiose narcissists. Conversely, no significant differences were found between grandiose narcissists and non-narcissists. This study suggests that vulnerable narcissism may contribute more to problematic use of SNSs than grandiose narcissism.

Psychometric validation of the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 in a Portuguese sample

The Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2) assesses individuals’ generalized problematic Internet use (PIU) cognitions, behaviors, and negative outcomes. To date, the GPIUS2 has only been validated in English, Spanish, German, and Italian language. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate a Portuguese version of the GPIUS2 and provide a taxonomy of the potential risk of PIU among participants. A sample of 641 Portuguese-speaking Internet users was recruited online after a process of translation and back-translation of the original GPIUS2. In-depth validity and reliability analyses were conducted alongside latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify the potential risk of PIU of participants. The validity and reliability analyses revealed adequate results concerning the psychometric properties of the Portuguese GPIUS2. According to the LPA results, participants were classed as “low risk” (n = 289, 46.7%), “medium risk” (n = 256, 40.7%), and “high risk” (n = 77, 12.6%) of PIU with key differences emerging among the three classes. The present findings support the overall validity and usefulness of the Portuguese GPIUS2 and the results from the LPA may be potentially useful in informing practitioners currently working with clients struggling with PIU.

The Association Between Psychological Well-Being and Problematic Use of Internet Communicative Services Among Young People

ABSTRACTPrevious studies on problematic Internet use have focused almost exclusively on the fact that presence of negative functioning, such as social anxiety, depressive symptoms, or loneliness, represents a risk factor for unhealthy use of the web. For this reason the aim of the present study was to investigate the association between psychological well-being dimensions and problematic use of Internet communicative services. In the current study 495 undergraduate students were recruited. The Italian adaptations of the Psychological Well-being Scales and the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2) were used to assess psychological well-being dimensions and generalized problematic Internet use, respectively. Psychological well-being dimensions explained a significant portion of variance for the GPIUS2 total score levels, after controlling for sex, age, and occupational status. The levels of Autonomy, Environmental Mastery, and Positive Relations with Others acted as significant negative predictors of the tendency to use the web for regulating negative feelings, compulsive use of the web, and the negative outcomes that can arise as a result. The overall findings of the present study provide preliminary evidence that low psychological well-being is associated with problematic use of Internet communicative services.

Time perspective as a predictor of problematic Internet use: A study of Facebook users

Time perspective (TP) has been related to different problematic human behaviors. The work presented in this paper assesses the role of time perspective in predicting problematic Internet use (PIU) by studying a sample (n=149) of Facebook users. Participants (79 male, 70 female, mean age=32.40, SD=11.80) completed electronic versions of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) to assess their TP, and the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2) to assess their PIU. Results show that Past Negative and Present Fatalistic temporal frames are predictors of problematic Internet use, suggesting that time perspective is an individual difference construct that should be taken into consideration in the context of PIU.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 in an Italian Sample

The 15-item Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2) is one of the few theory-driven instruments to measure problematic Internet use (PIU). Since PIU has emerged in several cultural contexts, it seems relevant to evaluate the psychometric properties of the scale across various cultures. The aim of the present study was to test the psychometric properties (i.e., dimensionality, reliability, and validity) of the Italian version of the GPIUS2. The sample consisted of 371 participants (128 males and 243 females), and their age ranged from 14 to 33 years (M=18.07 years, SD=5.58). The GPIUS2 and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) were administered individually in both high school and college classes. With regard to scale dimensionality, the best-fit measurement model includes four first-order factors: preference for online social interaction, mood regulation, deficient self-regulation, and negative outcomes (Satorra-Bentler scaled chi-square [S-Bχ(2)]/df=2.27; comparative fit index [CFI]=0.94; Tucker-Lewis index [TLI]=0.93; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA]=0.05). With regard to reliability, internal-consistency Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.78 to 0.89. Convergent validity is demonstrated with significant correlations between GPIUS2 (total score and all the subscale scores) and IAT score. Results showed that GPIUS2 scores significantly discriminated between high school and undergraduate students. The overall findings of the present study provide evidence that the Italian version of the GPIUS2 appears to be an adequate measure of generalized PIU cognitions, behaviors, and outcomes. Suggestions for further research are provided.

Measurement and analysis of the cognitive-behavioral model of generalized problematic Internet use among Mexican adolescents

The objectives of this study were to analyze the psychometric properties of the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2) and to examine the cognitive-behavioral theoretical model of problematic Internet use in a sample of 1491 Mexican adolescents (47.6% female, mean age = 14.51). Results showed that the GPIUS2 has adequate construct and convergent validity and internal consistency. Consistent with the hypotheses put forth by the cognitive-behavioral model, the findings indicate that preference for online social interaction and the use of the Internet for mood regulation increased the probability of reporting deficient self-regulation (i.e., compulsive Internet use and cognitive preoccupations with Internet use), which, in turn, was significantly associated with negative life outcomes. The fit of the model was adequate both for males and females, and there were no significant differences between them. Lastly, we discuss the contributions of this research to this field of study.