Internet addiction, test anxiety, adult separation anxiety disorder: Is there a connection?

Internet addiction can cause anxiety and depression. Exams and living far from home can cause anxiety as well. This research aimed to explore the correlation between Internet addiction, exam-related anxiety, and adult separation anxiety among students.

This study used a correlational descriptive method to select a varied group of 258 students from Shahroud University of Medical Sciences by using a multistage sampling technique. Several university majors were selected by using a random selection process. The demographic form, Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Frieden Test Anxiety Scale (FTA), and Adult Separation Anxiety (ASA) were the data collection tools.

The average Internet addiction score was 37.34 ± 10.18, demonstrating a positive correlation with test anxiety (r = 0.28, P < .000). The average adult separation anxiety score was 35/44 ± 18/24, which showed a significant positive correlation with Internet addiction (r = 0.37, P < .000). Internet addiction was also related to the amount of Internet usage, self-phone usage, being native or not, and studying only the night before the exam instead of studying throughout the semester.

Internet addiction can be related to test anxiety in students. Moreover, students who experience adult separation anxiety due to living away from familiar situations and people can experience Internet addiction more.