Examination of some psychological variables that predict internet addiction in university students: A University in Cappadocia

Abstract

This is a predictive study with a descriptive method and a relational screening model and it was aimed to examine some psychological variables that predict internet addiction. The sample was formed by using the proportional cluster sampling based on stratum weight of the schools. The study was conducted with a total of 521 students. Introductory Information Form, Symptom Check List (SCL-90-R) and Internet Addiction Scale were used. It was found that Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of SCL-90-R scale was 0.97 and Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of the addiction scale was 0.92. The data were assessed by using number, percentage, chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, Man Whitney U, spearman’s correlation and regression analysis. Ethics committee approval and verbal consent were obtained. The average score of the students' general psychological symptom index (GSI) was found to be 1.96 ± 0.63 and 5.3% of the students were addicted to internet. There are statistically significant differences between students' both internet addiction scale scores and Symptom Check List (SCL-90-R) scores and some variables (gender, smoking). It was determined that there was a difference between internet use durations and internet addiction levels and a significant and positive interaction between psychological symptoms and internet addiction. This study shows that the most important predictor of addiction is psychoticism from psychological symptoms. These results are considered to be likely helpful for clinicians and researchers in stages of determining, preventing and treating risk groups.