인터넷 중독 청소년의 자존감, 우울, 충동성과 사회관계

Self-esteem, Depression, Impulsiveness and Social Relations in Adolescents with Internet Addiction

Over the last decade, there has been increased interest in the addictive potential of the Internet, and past studies have indicated that the addictive pattern of Internet use are associated with some psycho-social traits of the users and adolescents and young adults are especially vulnerable population. This study investigated the extent to which psycho-social factors were related to the extent of Internet usage among adolescents and to examine the potential influences of self-esteem, depression and impulsiveness on social relations of the adolescents with Internet addiction. A total of 2,495 adolescents ages between 15-17 responded to the questionnaire, which included Young's IAT, Rosenberg's Self-esteem instrument, Beck's BDI, BISII, Hudson's IFR and IPR. Results showed that 61.0% of the sample were considered Internet addicted(4.0% seriously pathological, 57.0% moderate), who suffer from higher level of depression, impulsiveness, and problems of social relations and low self-esteem than their peers. Regression analysis indicated that problems in social relations among adolescents with Internet addiction were predicted by low self-esteem and depression. No link was found between impulsiveness and social relations. Results suggest that preventive efforts for Internet addiction of adolescents are in imminent needs. Implications to help professionals are addressed.