Negative Life Events, Negative Copying Style, and Internet Addiction in Middle School Students: A Large Two-year...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Adolescent Development

Background:

• Adolescent Internet addiction (IA) is a growing concern.
• Negative life events (NLE) are associated with various psychological issues.
• Coping styles may influence the development of addictive behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the longitudinal impact of NLE on negative coping styles (NCS) and IA in middle school students.
• To examine the mediating role of NCS in the relationship between NLE and IA.
• To provide empirical evidence for understanding and addressing IA in adolescents.

Main Methods:

• A two-year longitudinal study involving 2,845 middle school students.
• Assessment of baseline NLE, follow-up NCS, and IA.
• Statistical analysis including correlation and structural equation modeling (SEM).

Main Results:

• NLE, NCS, and IA were significantly correlated.
• Both NLE and NCS were identified as risk factors for IA.
• NCS partially mediated the association between NLE and IA (β=0.17, p<0.01).

Conclusions:

• NLE and NCS play significant roles in the development of IA among middle schoolers.
• Interventions targeting negative coping strategies may help mitigate IA.
• Findings support the need for educators and policymakers to address IA risk factors in schools.