Maladaptive Internet Use Research Articles

Exploring problematic internet use tendency among emerging adults: An overview

Purpose: The internet plays a vital role in the daily lives of emerging adults, but it also brings potential negative consequences like problematic internet use (PIU), particularly in this age group. Developmental task from this age group could be one of the stressors which could lead individual to obtain a maladaptive use of internet. Further, PIU can also bring detrimental effect and pathological mental disorder. Despite its importance, PIU among emerging adults has not been extensively studied. This study seeks to investigate the tendency towards problematic internet use among emerging adults, considering their exploratory phase where internet use is prevalent. Method: This study used a cross-sectional design with survey data collection. 104 participants, women and men aged 18-29 years old (M = 19.9; SD =1.88) were collected in this study. Participants completed the demographic scale and the Generalized Problematic Internet Use-2 scale (GPIUS-2). Data were analyzed using the descriptive statistical technique with Jamovi statistical software. Result: Overall, most participants spend at least 5 hours on their internet usage per day (77.88%) while the rest spend 3 to 5 hours on the internet (22.12%). Interestingly, a higher tendency of problematic internet use was found in men (M = 47.8; SD =8.18) than women (M = 44.7; SD =9.52). Furthermore, men were also higher than women in all dimensions of PIU except in mood regulation, albeit the differences were negligible. Conclusion: This study provides theoretical enrichment of the exploration of problematic internet use specifically among emerging adults. Further, the results of this study could be clinically useful for designing interventions related to social media use behavior.

The Urge of Parents' Role: The Contributions of Parent and Peer Attachment to Adolescent’s Problematic Internet Use (PIU)

Indonesian adolescents spend too many hours using the internet. It leads to negative impacts, including problematic internet use (PIU). Few studies have found that social factors from parents and peers contribute to how they use the internet. Regardless, they still found inconsistencies regarding whether parents or peers, if investigated together, had the highest impact on their maladaptive internet use. This study aimed to examine the contribution of adolescent attachment to parents and peers to adolescents’ maladaptive internet use in terms of PIU. This research is using accidental sampling. The subjects were 237 adolescents (91 male) aged 12-24 years (M=15.03) from the Jabodetabek area. Data was collected using Google Forms. The PIU was measured using IPIUS (Indonesia Problematic Internet Use), and adolescents’ attachment was measured using IPPA (Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment). Multiple regression with the stepwise model is applied to investigate the contribution of attachment to PIU. This paper argues that parent and peer attachment contributes significantly to adolescents’ PIU, and this parent attachment has a higher influence than peer attachment. This implies that optimizing parents’ role in attachment behavior could still impact adolescents’ internet behavior.

The association between problematic internet use and hedonic and eudaimonic well-being: A latent profile analysis

Problematic internet use (PIU) has become a public health concern globally and there are now many published studies examining the issue, particularly in relation to wellbeing. However most previous studies on the relationship between PIU and well-being have been conducted using a variable-cantered approach with either indicators of ill-being (depression, stress, anxiety, loneliness), or only one dimension of well-being (happiness or life satisfaction). Therefore, the present study aimed to address this research gap by investigating the distinct dimensions of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being simultaneously as outcomes of PIU latent profiles, as well as sociodemographic variables and stress as antecedents. The profile indicators were items of the Internet Disorder Scale. Data were collected from 1202 participants (516 males), aged 19–59 years (M = 29.24 years, SD ± 9.40). The results showed that four latent profiles emerged: ‘Low risk of PIU’ (56.4 %), ‘Medium risk of PIU with moderately-high psychosocial impairments’ (9.1 %), ‘Medium risk of PIU with poor internet-related self-control’ (27.4 %), and ‘High-risk of PIU’ (7.1 %). Both hedonic and eudaimonic well-being were outcomes of PIU profiles. The participants from the high-risk profile of PIU had the lowest levels on both dimension of well-being. The addiction criteria with the highest scores in the high-risk of PIU profile were preoccupation, mood modification, and jeopardizing social relationship or job opportunities. Age and stress were significant antecedents of PIU latent profile membership. Knowing the addiction criteria with highest values in the PIU high-risk profile can be a basis for developing tailored treatments for maladaptive internet use. Moreover, hedonic and eudaimonic well-being measures could be used to assess therapeutic progress.

Internet addiction and health-related quality of life in adolescents: The mediating role of sleep disturbance

Internet addiction (IA) has emerged as a recognized risk factor associated with impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescents. However, the role of sleep disturbance in this association remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association of IA with HRQOL in Chinese adolescents and to evaluate the potential mediating role of sleep disturbance. A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents attending six randomly selected middle schools in Guangzhou, China. Adolescents self-reported their internet use using the Young Diagnostic Questionnaire. HRQOL and sleep disturbance were assessed by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0 and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively. Multivariate linear regression analysis was employed to assess the association between IA and HRQOL. Baron and Kenny's causal steps method was used to examine the possible mediating role of sleep disturbance. Of the 6473 adolescents included, 23.5% had maladaptive internet use (MIU) and 16.6% had pathological internet use (PIU). Compared to adolescents with adaptive internet use (AIU), those with IA had significantly lower scores across all HRQOL dimensions and summary scales. Mediation analysis revealed that sleep disturbance was a significant mediator. Specifically, sleep disturbance mediated 34.55% of the effects of MIU and 34.06% of the effects of PIU on the HRQOL total scale score , respectively. IA was associated with poorer HRQOL, indicating the needs of preventing IA in Chinese adolescents. Additionally, our findings underscored the importance of enhancing sleep quality to mitigate the adverse impact of IA on adolescents' well-being.

Minding the gap: The moderating role of education between subjective health and social life perception and Internet use time

Introduction: Internet addiction results in intense and frequent use. There is a gap in the literature in relation to the unawareness of problematic Internet use (PIU) in predicting Internet use time (IUT). Objective: To identify sociodemographic/psychological variables contributing and moderating IUT. Participants: 1,270 participants of the European Social Survey (EES), Round 8. Instruments: EES variables assessing Internet use (IU), health perception, well-being, social life, and sociodemographic variables, underlying the construct. Results: Age, education, sources of household income, social activities compared to others of the same age and subjective general health explain IU per day; and age, years of education, domicile and socially meeting with other people with whom to discuss intimate matters explain IU per week. Education was found to be a significant moderator in the relationship between subjective general health and IU per week; and in the relationship between socially meeting with other people and IU per day. Discussion: Maladaptive IU, when the perception of health is worse, and adaptive IU, when the perception of social life is better, are both suggested, depending on education. Conclusions: These findings point to the need to study IUT involving educational level, keeping in mind that what may be PIU at one educational level may not be the case at another.

Characteristics of online behavior and structure of consumed content in Abakan adolescents of different age, groups and ethnicity

Background. The study of the prevalence and structure of various types of online behavior, the characteristics of the content consumed by adolescents of different age, sex and ethnic groups is an important area of scientific research.The aim. To study the features of online behavior and the structure of content consumed in Abakan adolescents of various age and sex groups and ethnicity (Russians and Khakasses).Materials and methods. 1400 adolescents of the city of Abakan (Republic of Khakassia) aged 12–18 were examined: 962 (68.7 %) Russians, 438 (31.3 %) Khakasses, 678 (48.4 %) boys and 722 (51.6 %) girls, aged 12–14 years – 39.8 % and 15–18 years – 60.2 %. The type of online behavior was verified using the Chen scale (CIAS). Emotional and behavioral disorders were diagnosed using the SDQ questionnaire. The indicators were compared in groups formed by sex, age and ethnicity. The data were processed using the Statistica 12.0 program (StatSoft Inc., USA).Results. It has been established that the prevalence and structure of online behavior among adolescents in Abakan depends on gender, age and ethnicity. Pathological Internet use (PIU) is more common among Khakasses, more often in the older age group. Regardless of ethnicity, maladaptive online behavior (pathological and maladaptive Internet use) is recorded more often among girls. In the structure of consumed content, gaming addiction prevails, social network addiction is in second place, and the proportion of mixed and undifferentiated Internet addiction is less. Dependence on online games prevails in boys, while dependence on social networks and undifferentiated internet addiction prevail in girls.Conclusion. One of the reasons for the greater prevalence of maladaptive online behavior among Khakasses may be the association of maladaptive Internet use with the presence of emotional disorders and behavioral problems that reach the borderline level and are causally significant factors in the development of Internet addiction. Adolescents with maladaptive online behavior, who have not yet reached the level of formed Internet addiction, are the target group requiring medical and psychological assistance.

Astenic syndrome in you students with different online-behaviors during the pandemic of new coronavirus infection COVID-19

Introduction. An urgent problem in many countries of the world is the growth of comorbid diseases and conditions associated with the pathological use of the Internet, including functional somatic disorders, which include asthenic syndrome.Purpose of the study. To study the frequency of occurrence of asthenic syndrome schoolchildren with different online behavior during the coronavirus pandemic.Materials and methods. The method of random sampling was used to examine 1 148 adolescents at the age of 11–18 years, of which 535 (46.6%) were boys and 613 (53.4%) were girls. The frequency of occurrence was analyzed in the entire sample of the surveyed, as well as in the comparison groups, formed by gender: 1 gr. – boys (n = 535), 2 gr. – girls (n = 613), age: 1 gr. – 11–14 years old (m + d) (n = 837) and 2 gr. – 15–18 years old (m + d) (n = 311), type of online behavior: 1 gr. – with adaptive use of the Internet, 2 gr. – with maladaptive internet use, 3 gr. – with pathological use of the Internet and type of Internet addiction.Results. The frequency of adaptive use of the Internet was 37.0%, with maladaptive – 49.9% and with pathological – 13.1% of the total sample of the surveyed. The content structure of the online behavior of Tuvan schoolchildren includes the presence of a game Internet addiction in 4.4% of the surveyed, dependence on social networks – in 12.5%, mixed IА – in 2.4% and undifferentiated IА – in 5.0%. The frequency of asthenic syndrome is 12.2% of all surveyed.Conclusion. A more pronounced association of asthenic syndrome in schoolchildren with maladaptive online behavior indicates the negative impact of the computer and the Internet on the body and justifies the need for a personalized approach to these contingents.

Abstract- Poster

INTRODUCTIONInternet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is a condition characterised by maladaptive use of internet for playing video games having negative consequences on individual’s functioning. DSM-5 includes IGD under conditions proposed for further study while ICD-11 proposes a diagnosis of Gaming Disorder (GD). Prevalence varies from 0.2% to 34%. The literature about treatment of IGD is limited to few studies of bupropion, escitalopram & naltrexone (only case report). We present a case of IGD treated with naltrexone along with CBT.CASE DETAILSA 15-year-old male, presented with complaints of increased time spent on playing computer games, decline in academics and personal care, irritability when not allowed to play games and difficulty in stopping playing games once initiated since last 1 ½ years. Diagnosis of IGD was considered. Internet Gaming Disorder Scale – Short Form (IGDS9-SF) score was 37. Naltrexone was initiated along with CBT. Adolescent showed improvement and IGDS9-SF score decreased to 20 over a period of 3 months. Adolescent is maintaining improvement on follow up.CONCLUSIONCurrently, prevalence & treatment of IGD are topics of interest for clinicians worldwide. The limited literature shows partial response to bupropion and escitalopram. The adolescent in our case responded well to naltrexone. The possible neurobiology, role of opioid receptors and naltrexone in IGD is discussed. Future studies regarding neurobiology and pharmacological treatment of IGD may be considered.Clozapine Resistant Schizophrenia augmented with Electroconvulsive Therapy-a Case ReportDr.B.Ramachandrababu pgDr Ahalya Asst professorDr poornachandrika professorDr pp kannan professor.INTRODUCTION:schizophrenia patients with poor response to antipsychotics and even clozapine need Electro convulsive therapy for augumentation to get adequate therapeutic response.CASE REPORT:Mr S,48yrs male brought by his brother on oct2020 with complaints of talking to self,poor self care,reduced sleep and appetite, withdrawn from others,sudden screaming outbursts,irritability, continues illness from 2013 with waxing and waning course with no significant improvement to antipsychoticson examination Patient ambulant,unkempt and untidy with poor rapport,restricted affect, communicate with gestures,paucity of thought and Auditory hallucinations.His initial BPRS 72 and BUSH FRANCIS catatonic score 26patient treated with Lorazepam and antipsychotics In adequate dose and duration[T.Risperidone 6mg,T.Haloperidol 20 mg,T.Aripiprazole 20 mg,T.Olanzepine 20 mg] shows poor response,later T.Clozapine alone and with atypical antipsychotic augumentation [risperidone and amisulpride] had mild improvement with BPRS 54, BFCS 18.But soon patient relapsedOn Feb 2021,along with clozapine–modified bitemporal Electro convulsive therapy given at 6 sittings.patient shows significant reduction in psychotic and catatonic symptoms with BPRS 32 and BFCS 14 after ECT, another 6 sittings of ect given at august 21, patient shows significant improvement with BPRS18 and BFCS < than 10.so planned maintanance ect initially once in a week for 6 weeks then once in two weeks.Now his catatonic or negative or psychotic symptoms significantly improved.now he helping in ward works,had good self care and goes ITC regularly

Gender prevalence and pattern structure of various online behaviors among adolescents in Abakan

Summary. The increased maladaptive Internet use and associated psychosomatic disorders in modern adolescents is an urgent medical problem. The aim of the study was to research the gender prevalence and pattern structure of various types of online behavior in adolescents from Abakan (Khakassia). Material and methods. A one-time screening examination of random samples of students from 4 schools in the city of Abakan was carried out from April to May 2019. It was examined 1360 adolescents (49.5% of boys and 50.5% of girls) aged 12-18 years (mean age 14.7 ± 1.3). Online behavior was assessed using the Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS) based on the total CIAS score. There were 2 groups (boys and girls) for the indicators to be analyzed, with the data processed using the “Statistica 12” program. Results. Adaptive Internet use (AIU) is typical for 56.5% of Abakan adolescents, Non-adaptive maladaptive (NIU) — for 37.6% and Internet-dependent, pathological Internet use (PIU) — for 5.9%. The incidence and pattern structure of various types of online behavior are associated with gender. The prevalence of maladaptive types of online behavior is higher among girls: non-adaptive (42.4% versus 32.8% in boys) and pathological (8.0% versus 3.7%). There are significant gender differences in the Com, Wit, Tol scales, key symptoms of Internet addiction (KSIA), Problems Associated with Internet Addiction (PAIA) and the total CIAS score of the Chen scale. Girls have higher average scores for all subscales of the Chen questionnaire, i.e. both key symptoms of Internet addiction, and the total CIAS score. Conclusion. The prevalence of maladaptive types of online behavior among adolescents in Abakan and also a high association with gender confirm the relevance of the problem and indicate the further research in the given area is needed.

The efficacy of a training program for social skills in reducing addictive Internet behaviors among Palestinian university students

BackgroundFor youth in geopolitically at-risk environments, such as Palestine, the issues related to Internet overuse and addictions are complex. Youth residing in the occupied territories of Palestine as in other highly militarized zones have high levels of environmental stressors (e.g., militarization, poverty, lack of employment opportunities, cultural pressures, etc.) and few chemical or social outlets such as alcohol, intoxicants, and leisure activities. As such, the easily accessible and unrestricted opportunities for stress-reducing social contact of social media can lead easily to excessive and maladaptive Internet use. Therefore, interventions directly aimed at awareness and education on how to manage Internet use are critical for addressing these issues in high risk populations.AimsThe purpose of the current study was to test the efficacy of a time-limited group training program aimed at improving social skills and reducing addictive Internet behaviors among university students.Methods and resultsThe sample consisted of 30 university students who self-reported high scores on an Internet addiction scale. Participants were randomly assigned to either wait list or treatment group (15 in each condition). Results demonstrated that using a social skills training program over an 8-week period improved the level of social skills and reduced addictive Internet behaviors significantly in those who experienced the intervention when compared with a wait list control group.ConclusionsThese findings support the implementation of time limited training programs targeting social skills and addictive patterns of Internet use with university students identified with high levels of Internet addictive behaviors.

Internet addiction and associated health risks among medical undergraduates in North India

Over the past few years, the exponential technological growth and excessive internet use have led to its entry into practically every aspect of daily life. The same can be said about the pervasive presence and usage of internet across all generations This use of digital technology has completely transformed the lifestyle of the present generation making lives easier and enriched in a variety of ways, but this technological progress comes at a heavy price associated with the risks of its overuse. The result of maladaptive use of internet is now becoming evident in all users, with the youth being most vulnerable as overuse can easily change into abuse to the extent that it interferes with the ability to engage in routine activities. It is now believed that certain attributes of internet use can foster compulsive addictive behaviour in context to what has been recognised as Internet addiction (IA) or ‘compulsive Internet use’. The term Internet Addiction was first introduced by Young, who defined it as an impulse control disorder in the absence of an intoxicant. It refers to an individual’s helplessness to control the use of the internet, resulting in significant anguish and functional damage in daily life. Thus, IA portrays a state of a psychological dependence on the internet, notwithstanding the activities that may be pursued after logging in.

Problematic internet use: The effect of comorbid psychopathology on treatment outcomes

Problematic Internet use (PIU) behaviours involve one's maladaptive Internet use and have been often described as secondary manifestations of pre-existing psychopathology. Furthermore, different profiles of PIU sufferers have been proposed. However, little is known of the impact these may be having on treatment responses. Thus, this study aims to investigate the psychopathological profiles of those who seek treatment for PIU within a specialised public outpatient unit and whether these influence treatment outcomes. This research utilised 203 treatment seekers of the Specialized Department of Problematic Internet Use (SD-PIU) of the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica, in Greece (mean age = 26.02; SD = 7.9). To assess psychopathology, the Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90-R) was used. Treatment responses were reported either as completed, continued, or drop out. A Latent Class/Profiling-Analysis (LCA) was performed, guided by variations across the SCL-90-R psychopathologies. It indicated two naturally occurring profiles of comorbid psychological symptoms; 66% were classified as the “High Comorbidity” (HC) and 34% as the “Low Comorbidity” (LC) profile. Regarding treatment outcomes, LC patients presented with significantly lower dropout rates and higher levels of completion. The present study poses imperative clinical implications regarding the necessity of specialized treatment planning based on the different PIU treatment seekers psychopathological comorbidities.

Cognitive Patterns and Coping Mechanisms in the Context of Internet Use

Recent research indicates there are different cognitive patterns and coping mechanisms related to increased levels of Internet use and emotional distress in adolescents. This study aims to investigate the relationship between coping mechanisms, dysfunctional negative emotions, and Internet use. A total of 54 participants aged between 14 and 19 years old completed a questionnaire containing several measures and demographics information. We measured participants’ coping strategies, emotional distress, social and emotional loneliness, and their online behavior and Internet addiction using self-report questionnaires. In order to identify the relation between the investigated variables, we used correlation analysis and regression, and we tested one mediation model. The results showed that maladaptive coping strategies and Internet use were significant predictors of dysfunctional negative emotions. Moreover, passive wishful thinking, as a pattern of thinking, was associated with anxious and depressed feelings. The relation between Internet use and dysfunctional negative emotions was mediated by participants’ coping mechanisms. Therefore, we can conclude that the level of negative feelings is associated with the coping strategies used while showing an increased level of Internet addiction. Future studies should also consider different and multiple types of measurement other than self-reports, especially related to Internet addiction.

Adult Maladaptive Internet Use, Depression, and Self-Efficacy in Hong Kong

Adult Maladaptive Internet Use, Depression, and Self-Efficacy in Hong Kong

Social Capital-Accrual, Escape-From-Self, and Time-Displacement Effects of Internet Use During the COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Period: Prospective, Quantitative Survey Study.

BackgroundCOVID-19 has spread like wildfire across the globe, prompting many governments to impose unprecedented stay-at-home orders to limit its transmission. During an extended stay-at-home period, individuals may engage in more online leisure activities. Internet use is a double-edged sword that may have both desirable and undesirable effects on psychological well-being, and this study sought to disentangle adaptive from maladaptive internet use amidst this unusual health crisis.ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of probable depression during the COVID-19 stay-at-home period and to test three hypothesized risk reduction or risk elevation mechanisms, namely social capital–accrual, escape-from-self, and time-displacement effects.MethodsThis study took place from March to May 2020 at the early stage of the pandemic. The study adopted a prospective design, with an online survey administered to 573 UK and 474 US adult residents at two assessment points 2 months apart.ResultsThe prevalence of moderate to severe depression was 36% (bootstrap bias-corrected and accelerated [BCa] 95% CI 33%-39%) at Time 1 (ie, initial time point) and 27% (bootstrap BCa 95% CI 25%-30%) at Time 2 (ie, follow-up time point). The results supported the social capital–accrual hypothesis by showing that the approach coping style was inversely associated with Time 2 depression through its positive associations with both social networking and perceived family support. The results also supported the escape-from-self hypothesis by revealing that the avoidant coping style was positively associated with Time 2 depression through its positive associations with both gaming and cyberbullying victimization, but the serial mediation model was no longer significant after Time 1 depression and some demographic risk factors had been controlled for. Finally, the results supported the time-displacement hypothesis by showing that gaming was positively associated with Time 2 depression through its inverse associations with social networking and perceived family support.ConclusionsDuring the extended stay-at-home period in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of probable depression during the 2-month study period was high among the UK and US residents. Individuals with distinct coping styles may engage in different types of online leisure activities and perceive varying levels of social support, which are associated with risks of probable depression.

Internet Addiction, Neuroplasticity and Education

The benefit of information and communication technology is enormous, yet not without its side effects. The lapses arise more from misuse or overuse of internet-based activities. The terms used to describe this practice include, but not exhaustive the following, internet addiction, problematic internet use, internet overuse and maladaptive internet use. This paper explored the factors predisposing people to internet addiction, the interplay of internet addiction and neuroplasticity, physiological, psychological and social impact of internet addiction. It went further to highlight the effects of internet addiction on learning and advances educational interventions for curbing internet addiction. Some of the approaches include cognitive behavioural approaches, purposeful creation of new neural partway based on creativity and problem solving and tapping from positive psychology exercises.

Prevention and Intervention of Adolescents’ Maladaptive Internet use

Prevention and Intervention of Adolescents’ Maladaptive Internet use

Uso problemático de internet en adolescentes españoles y su relación con autoestima e impulsividad

Dado el gran auge del uso de las nuevas tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) por parte del colectivo juvenil resulta de interés el análisis de los patrones disfuncionales y de su potencialidad adictiva. El objetivo de este trabajo consiste en explorar las relaciones entre el uso problemático de internet y factores de riesgo como la impulsividad, así como analizar las diferencias en conflictos intra e interpersonales asociados en función del género y la edad. Han participado 240 adolescentes y jóvenes (124 mujeres y 116 hombres) con edades comprendidas entre los 15 y 22 años (X= 18.075; DT= 2.36), estudiantes del Principado de Asturias (España). En relación con la posible existencia de usos problemáticos de internet resulta atribuible al 11.25% de los adolescentes frente a un 88.75% que muestran un uso controlado. Respecto a las diferencias en función del género y de la edad no han resultado significativas. Se ha hallado que la baja autoestima y la impulsividad cognitiva y no planeada predicen con mayor probabilidad el uso desadaptativo de internet. Presentar mayor propensión a tomar decisiones rápidas, así como mostrar más interés en las tomas de decisiones presentes que futuras, aumentan las probabilidades de puntuar más alto en conflictos interpersonales asociados al uso problemático de internet. Se discuten las implicaciones de tales hallazgos.Palabras clave: uso problemático, Internet, autoestima, impulsividad, adolescentes.

Prevalence of pathological and maladaptive Internet use and the association with depression and health-related quality of life in Japanese elementary and junior high school-aged children.

Pathological Internet use has been predominantly studied in junior high/middle school-aged or older children; data from elementary/primary school-aged children, however, are scarce. The current study aimed to examine the prevalence of problematic Internet use, including pathological and maladaptive Internet use, in elementary and junior high school-aged children and the relationships between problematic Internet use and mental health problems and health-related quality of life. The survey was conducted among children who attend national and public elementary and junior high schools in a medium-sized city in Japan; data were received from 3845 elementary school-aged and 4364 junior high school-aged children. Based on the Young's Diagnostic Questionnaire score, the prevalence of pathological and maladaptive Internet use was 3.6% and 9.4% and 7.1% and 15.8% in elementary and junior high school-aged children, respectively. The prevalence of problematic Internet use, including pathological and maladaptive Internet use, consistently increased from the 4th grade to the 8th grade. In addition, the prevalence sharply increased between the 7th grade and the 8th grade. Our study revealed that children with pathological and maladaptive Internet use exhibited more severe depression and decreased health-related quality of life than those with adaptive Internet use. Our results demonstrated that pathological Internet use is not uncommon even in elementary school-aged children and that those with pathological and maladaptive Internet use have severe mental health problems and decreased health-related quality of life, supporting the importance of providing these children with educational and preventive interventions against problematic Internet use and associated risk factors.

The effect of sleep disturbances and internet addiction on suicidal ideation among adolescents in the presence of depressive symptoms

Maladaptive use of internet and sleep problems is a significant health concern among adolescents. We aimed to understand better how sleep problems are related to suicidal ideation taking into account the presence of depression and internet addiction. 631 adolescents aged between 12 and 18 randomly recruited from different middle and high schools to complete self-report questionnaires assessing sleep disturbances, addictive use of the internet, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation. 22.9% of the sample reported on suicidal ideation during the month before the study, 42% of the sample suffer from sleep disturbances, 30.2% reported on the addictive use of the internet, and 26.5% exhibited severe symptoms of depression. Adolescents with suicidal ideation had higher rates of sleep disturbances, addictive use of internet and depressive symptoms. A confirmatory path analysis suggests that the effect of sleep disturbances on suicidal ideation moderated by the impact of internet addiction and mediated by the sleep effects on depressive symptoms. These results emphasize the importance to address the above risk behaviors in prevention curriculums programs. Future longitudinal studies are needed to determine the temporal order and to validate causal pathways.