Internet addiction: an evaluation in terms of loneliness and interpersonal relationship styles

DURAK BATIGÜN A., HASTA D.

ANADOLU PSIKIYATRI DERGISI-ANATOLIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY, cilt.11, sa.3, ss.213-219, 2010 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 11 Sayı: 3
  • Basım Tarihi: 2010
  • Dergi Adı: ANADOLU PSIKIYATRI DERGISI-ANATOLIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.213-219
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: intemet, dependence, intemet dependence, loneliness, interpersonal relationships, COMPUTER USE, STUDENTS, USAGE, ADOLESCENTS, PSYCHOLOGY, PREVALENCE, PREDICTORS
  • Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objective: This study attempted to examine the relationship between intemet dependency, and loneliness and interpersonal styles. It was also aimed to investigate certain demographic and descriptive variables associated with intemet usage and dependence amongst adolescents. Methods: The sample was composed of 213 participants (105 female, 106 male, and two did not mention gender) with an age range of 18-27 (mean= 21.45 +/- 2.19). Besides the demographic information questionnaire, Internet Dependency Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Interpersonal Relationship Styles Scale were used to gather the data. Results: The analyses revealed that 14% of the participants obtained high scores in intemet dependency. The mean duration of intemet usage is 2.17 +/- 0.70 hours a day which means more than 15 hours a week. It was also found that inhibitory interpersonal relationship style and loneliness is more common in these individuals than the ones who do not have intemet dependency. In addition, intemet dependents use intemet for longer hours and mainly for communication purposes. The duration of intemet usage, the usage of intemet for communication, and having an inhibitory style in interpersonal relationships were found to be the predictors of intemet dependency. Discussion: The results of this study can shed some light on further research and clinical practices in identifying risk groups, and developing preventive interventions and treatment strategies. For instance, implementation of social skill training programs for improvement of communication skills and reducing loneliness are thought to be effective in prevention and treatment of intemet dependency. (Anatolian Journal of Psychiatry 2010; 11:213-219)