A New Cognitive-Behavioural Measure of Problematic Internet Use
Year: 2022
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Internet use has become an indispensable part of our lives and there are concerns about its negative impact on society. Excessive and problematic Internet use has been associated with physical, psychological, financial, occupational, and social problems. Despite a growing body of research on the topic, the conceptualization of this phenomenon remains controversial, with inadequate measures available to identify this issue. This thesis explored the current topic from a perspective defined as Problematic Internet Use (PIU), based on Davis’ (2001) cognitive-behavioural model. The aim of the research was to develop and validate a new measure of PIU designed to address both the Generalized and Specific aspects of Davis’ model, with a specific focus on online gambling, shopping and pornography use. A mixed-methods research design was used. A scoping review identified existing measures of PIU. Items from existing measures were systematically collated and examined to create an initial list of items. Experts evaluated these items and their validity in capturing the construct of interest. Focus groups with 71 Internet users from the general public were undertaken to ensure that Internet users had input in developing items for the measure. In order to explore the psychometric properties of the new measure and test Davis’ PIU model, 439 Internet users completed an online survey that included the new PIU measure, measures of psychopathology (depression, anxiety, substance use), a measure of social isolation, and a measure of Internet addiction. Factor analysis revealed that the measure captures PIU constructs related to reinforcement, problematic cognitions, withdrawal, problematic behaviours and negative consequences. The results showed significant correlations between PIU scores and some demographic characteristics, time spent online and scores on psychopathology measures. People who scored higher on the PIU measure also scored higher on the depression, social anxiety and substance use scales. Overall, the new measure of PIU had good reliability and validity. Attempts to test Davis’s model were less successful as the results showed poor model fit. Study limitation may include small sample size and failure of the model to capture all relevant constructs. Nevertheless, the current thesis outlines the systematic development of a new measure of PIU that included Internet users in the item creation process, something that has not been done previously.
Author: Cotoros, Delia
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7058484382