인터넷 중독 고위험 청소년의 성별에 따른 임상적, 정신병리적 특성

Gender Differences in Clinical and Psychopathological Features of Adolescents at High-Risk for Internet Addiction

Objectives ： Most previous studies of Internet addiction (IA) have been performed on males, and little is known about gen-der differences in IA. We examined gender differences in the clinical and psychopathological features related to high-risk for IA among adolescents. Methods ： 714 (male : N=389 ; fe-male : N=325) have reported questionnaires as follows ; 1) clinical and psychopathological features (depression, anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms, Smartphone addiction, impulsivity, behavioral inhibition and approach systems, state-trait anger, aggression, beliefs about aggression, and resilience) 2) Internet and Smartphone usage patterns. In 691 who completed the Young’s Internet Addiction Test (YIAT), A total of 487 adolescents were classified into the normal Internet use group, with YIAT scores of 20-39 (male :N=232 ; female : N=255) and 204 adolescents were classified into high-risk for IA group (male : N=144 ; female : N=60). Results ： Most factors described above predicted high-risk for IA in male and female adolescents. Especially, the present study found that psychological resilience had negative association with possibility of IA in female, while cognitive impulsivity and hostile aggression were associated with possibility of IA in male adolescents. Conclusion ： This study found gender-re-lated features in adolescents at high-risk for IA. Thus, gender-specific strategies are needed to maximize prevention and treatment effectiveness of IA.