[Validation of adolescent computer addiction test in a greek sample]

The goal of this study is the validation of a reliable research tool for diagnosing computer addiction in adolescents and the description of its particular psychometric properties. 482 students in the city of Trikala, which is Greece's leading city in Internet provision, and 907 students of the city of Larisa took part in this study which was run during the first trimester of 2006. The samples were obtained through randomized stratified sampling for their respective cities. Those students who reported using a personal computer at the time filled in the ACAT (Adolescent Computer Addiction Test), which was modeled after the 20-question Internet Addiction Test. The psychometric tests applied included test-retest reliability, internal consistency and construct validity. Factor analysis revealed four factors which account for 59.15% of total variability of the scale. The ACAT scale was proven to hold excellent test-retest reliability, internal consistency and construct validity. The important role of timely education in new technologies is pointed out. This study is a first attempt in creating and applying a reliable tool in the evaluation of adolescent addiction to personal computers in Greece.