Dissertation

Pathological Internet Use and Psychopathology Among European Adolescents

Durkee, Tony

2017

Overview

Background:Internet use and accessibility has grown exponentially across the globe. The highest rates are noted in adolescents and youth. The swift development of technological improvements combined with interactive and enticing online activities has demonstrated to be unprecedented. As a result, the endless possibilities of the Internet become exceptionally appealing, whereby the risk of excessive use becomes elevated. Excessive use of the Internet is a strong precursor for subsequent pathological Internet use (PIU). Considered to be a sub type of a behavioural addiction, the construct of PIU is closely related to the bio psycho social model of addiction. This suggests that there are genetic, biological, psychological and social components involved in the complex pathways of PIU development. Thus, initiatives that adopt such a multifaceted approach are critically needed in order to attain a better understanding of PIU and related factors.Objectives: The primary aim of this thesis is to improve our knowledge of adolescent PIU by utilising a multifactorial approach. The objective of Study I is to estimate the prevalence of PIU and assess its potential link with demographic and social factors. The objectives in Studies II and III are to ascertain the correlations between PIU, psychopathology and suicidality, while Study IV investigates the association between PIU and health risk-behaviours. The objective of Study V is to evaluate the preventive effect of mental health action in schools on PIU and related psychosocial impairments.Methods and materials: The studies in this thesis were conducted within the framework of theFP7 European Union project: Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe (SEYLE). SEYLE is a randomised controlled trial (RCT) assessing the efficacy of mental health interventions based on different strategies and approaches. Adolescents were recruited from randomly-selected schools across study sites in eleven countries, including Austria, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Romania, Slovenia and Spain, with Sweden serving as the coordinating centre. PIU was measured using Young’s Diagnostic Questionnaire (YDQ). Social factors, health risk-behaviours, psychopathology and suicidality were measured using validated psychometric instruments. Apposite statistical models were applied in each study in order to assess the respective outcomes of interests.Results: Findings for each study are described accordingly: Study I comprised a sample of 11,956 adolescents (female/male: 6731/5225; mean age: 14.9±0.89). The overall prevalence of PIU was 4.4%. Prevalence rates of PIU were significantly higher in males than females (5.2% versus 3.8%). Adolescents in Israel had the highest prevalence of PIU, whereas Italy had the lowest. A significant correlation between mean hours online per day and male gender were observed. In terms of online activities, Internet gaming was significantly associated with males, while social networking was significantly correlated with females. Students not living with a biological parent, low parental involvement and parental unemployment showed the strongest association with PIU.Study II was a systematic review and meta-analysis. An electronic literature search was conducted using the following databases: MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES, PsychINFO, Global Health, and Web of Science.

• Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
• Subject: Addictions / Epidemiology / Medicine / Mental depression / Suicides & suicide attempts / Teenagers
• ISBN: 9798744452094