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Characterizing problematic internet use in a sample of heavy drinking emerging adults
Angad Singh1, Emily Levitt1, Noam Soreni1
1Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research.
Summary
Problematic internet use (PIU) in emerging adults is linked to lower quality of life and internalizing disorders, but not substance use disorders. Impulsivity traits like negative urgency are associated with PIU.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Problematic internet use (PIU) is prevalent in emerging adulthood, a critical developmental period.
- Emerging adulthood is also characterized by increased rates of psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders (SUDs).
- Understanding the correlates of PIU in this demographic is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between problematic internet use (PIU) and quality of life (QoL).
- To examine the association between PIU and various psychiatric disorders.
- To explore the link between PIU and different dimensions of impulsivity in emerging adults.
Main Methods:
- A community sample of 709 heavy-drinking emerging adults was recruited.
- Participants completed self-report measures for PIU, QoL, psychiatric indicators, and impulsivity.
- Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the interrelationships between variables.
Main Results:
- PIU was negatively associated with physical and social QoL, but positively with environmental QoL.
- PIU showed a significant positive association with internalizing disorders but not with SUD.
- Impulsivity measures, specifically Lack of Perseverance and Negative Urgency, were positively associated with PIU.
Conclusions:
- Problematic internet use (PIU) is linked to diminished quality of life and internalizing psychopathology in emerging adults.
- Findings challenge the notion of PIU as solely an externalizing behavior, showing no association with SUD.
- Specific impulsive traits are associated with PIU, suggesting distinct underlying mechanisms.
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