Internet Addiction and Its Associations with Clinical and Psychosocial Factors in Medical Students

ObjectiveExcessive internet use has been associated with various psychiatric symptoms and psychosocial factors. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of internet addiction (IA) and its associations with clinical (depression/social anxiety) and psychosocial (self-esteem/perceived social support) factors in medical students. MethodsIn total, 408 medical students at one university in Korea were included in this study. IA symptoms were assessed with Young’s Internet Addiction Test, and scores of 50 or higher were considered to indicate IA. Participants were asked to complete the Beck Depression Inventory, Social Phobia Inventory, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Duke-University of North Carolina Functional Social Support Questionnaire. A logistic regression model was constructed to examine the impact of clinical and psychosocial factors on IA. ResultsForty-seven participants (11.5%) were identified as having IA. Self-esteem was associated with a lower risk of IA, whereas depression and social anxiety were associated with a higher risk of IA. Depression, social anxiety, low self-esteem, and low perceived social support were found to be significant correlates of IA. Young’s Internet Addiction Test score positively correlated with Beck Depression Inventory and Social Phobia Inventory scores, but negatively correlated with Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Duke-University of North Carolina Functional Social Support Questionnaire scores. Furthermore, the prevalence of IA was highest in first-year medical students. ConclusionThis study revealed the possible risk and protective factors of IA. Our findings indicate that strengthening self-esteem and reducing depression and social anxiety may contribute to the prevention and management of IA in medical students.     

Internet addiction and attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder symptoms in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder

AimSeveral studies have reported that internet addiction (IA) is more prevalent in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the characteristics of ASD adolescents with IA are unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of IA in ASD adolescents, and compare the characteristics between the IA and the non-IA groups in adolescents with ASD.MethodsThe study included 55 participants who were outpatients at Ehime University Hospital and Ehime Rehabilitation Center for Children in Japan, aged 10–19 years, diagnosed with ASD. Patients and their parents answered several questionnaires including the Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS).ResultsBased on the total IAT score, 25 out of 55 participants were classified as having IA. Although there were no significant differences in AQ and Intelligence Quotient, the higher scores of ADHD symptoms in SDQ and ADHD-RS were observed in the IA group than the non-IA group. The IA group used portable games more often than the non-IA group.ConclusionThe ADHD symptoms were strongly associated with IA in ASD adolescents. More intensive prevention and intervention for IA are needed especially for the ASD adolescents with ADHD symptoms.     

Effects of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Based Music Therapy in Korean Adolescents with Smartphone and Internet Addiction

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding music therapy (MT) to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on symptoms of smartphone/internet addiction and psychiatric comorbidities. Methods Overall, 155 patients diagnosed with addiction were assigned to either the CBT-MT group or CBT group. Both groups received CBT for 8 weeks, while the CBT-MT group received additional MT. The intervention was completed by 67 and 71 participants in the CBT-MT and CBT groups, respectively. Results The total scores of Young Internet Addiction Scale (YIAT) and Smartphone Addiction Proneness Scale (SAPS) decreased significantly (p<0.001 for both) in both groups, while the total scores of State Anxiety Inventory for Children (SAIC) (p<0.001), Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (TAIC) (p<0.001), Conners-Wells’ Adolescent Self-Report Scale-Short form (CASS(S)) (p=0.048), and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11) (p<0.001) decreased only in the CBT-MT group. The decrements in YIAT (p=0.025), SAIC (p=0.043), TAIC (p=0.011), and BIS-11 (p=0.012) in the CBT-MT group were significantly greater than those in the CBT group. Conclusion Combined MT and CBT improved the symptoms of smartphone/internet addiction, anxiety, and impulsivity in adolescents. This combination could therefore be an effective treatment of smartphone or internet addiction along with behavioral disorders such as anxiety and impulsivity.     

Alexithymia, social support and health problems

This article presents three studies examining whether alexithymia is associated with less perceived and network social support, whether such relationships are accounted for by reduced social skills associated with alexithymia, and whether limited social support links alexithymia to health problems. The relationships between alexithymia (Toronto Alexithymia Scale), social variables, and physical health and depression were examined in both healthy young adults and patients. Alexithymia (especially deficits in identifying and communicating feelings) was related to less perceived support, fewer close relationships, and less social skill; the social skills deficit accounted fully for the association between alexithymia and a smaller social network. Additionally, alexithymia was related to both somatic complaints and depression, but social support generally was not. It is concluded that alexithymia is associated with reduced perceived and network social support, that these associations are likely due to alexithymia-related deficiencies in social skills, but that reduced social support does not account for the relationship between alexithymia and health problems.     

The relationship between impulsivity and Internet addiction in a sample of Chinese adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies regarding Internet addiction have investigated associated psychological variables such as shyness, loneliness, self-consciousness, anxiety, depression and interpersonal relations. Few studies about the relationship between Internet Addiction and impulsivity have been done. This study aimed to assess whether Internet addiction is related to impulsivity among Chinese adolescents. METHOD: This study was performed in two stages. We screened for the presence of Internet Addiction among 2620 high school students(age ranging from 12years to 18years) from four high schools of Changsha City using Diagnostic Questionnaire for Internet Addiction (YDQ). According to the modified YDQ criteria by Beard, 64 students were diagnosed as Internet addiction. Excluding current psychiatric comorbidity, 50 students who were diagnosed as Internet Addiction (mean age, 14.8+/-1.4years) and 50 normal students in Internet usage(mean age, 14.5+/-1.8years) were included in a case control study. The two groups were assessed using Barratt Impulsiveness Scale 11 (BIS-11) and behavioral measure of impulsivity (GoStop Impulsivity Paradigm). RESULTS: Sixty-four students met the modified YDQ criteria by Beard, of whom 14 students suffered from comorbid psychiatric disorders, especially comorbid ADHD. The Internet Addiction group had significantly higher scores on the BIS-11 subscales of Attentional key, Motor key, and Total scores than the control group (P<0.05). The Internet Addiction group scored higher than the control group on the failure to inhibit responses of GoStop Impulsivity Paradigm (P<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between YDQ scores and BIS-11subscales and the number of failure to inhibit responses of GoStop Impulsivity Paradigm. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that adolescents with Internet addiction exhibit more impulsivity than controls and have various comorbid psychiatric disorders, which could be associated with the psychopathology of Internet addiction.     

Social Anxiety May Modify the Relationship Between Internet Addiction and Its Determining Factors in Chinese Adolescents

The aim of this study was to explore Internet addiction (IA) and its associated factors among Chinese adolescents. Ten thousand one hundred fifty-eight Chinese adolescents were selected in this study by using random cluster sampling. The prevalence rate of IA among Chinese adolescents was 10.4%. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed gender, the only child, father-adolescent relationship, annual family income, academic performance, physical exercise, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES) score, and Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) score were significantly associated with IA among adolescents in social anxiety group (P < 0.05). In addition, gender, parental control, annual family income, academic performance, physical exercise, RSES score, and LSAS score were significantly associated with Internet addiction among adolescents in non-social anxiety group (P < 0.05). The mediating effects of social anxiety between multiple factors and IA were also significant. These findings can provide guidance aimed at reducing IA among Chinese adolescents.

     

Prevalence of Internet addiction and its association with social support and other related factors among adolescents in China

A cross-sectional study design was applied amongst a random sample (n = 10158) of Chinese adolescents. Self-completed questionnaires, including demographic characteristics, Internet use situation, Youth Internet Addiction Test, Youth Social Support Rating Scale and Zung Self-rating Depression Scale were utilized to examine the study objectives. Among the study population, the prevalence rate of Internet addiction was 10.4%, with 1038 (10.2%) moderately and 21 (0.2%) severely addicted to the Internet. Results from the multivariate logistic regression analyses suggested that a variety of related factors have significant effects on Internet addiction (parental control, per capita annual household income, academic performance, the access to Internet, online activities). The correlation coefficients showed that Internet addiction was negatively correlated with social support and positively associated with depression. Social support had a significant negative predictive effect on Internet addiction. The mediating effect of depression between social support and Internet addiction was remarkable.     

Contribution of stress and coping strategies to problematic Internet use in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders

IntroductionInternet use is already high and increasing rapidly among people with psychotic disorders, but there have been few studies on problematic Internet use (PIU) among patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of PIU and identify the factors associated with PIU among patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was performed that included 368 outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: 317 with schizophrenia, 22 with schizoaffective disorder, 9 with schizophreniform disorder, and 20 with other schizophrenia spectrum and psychotic disorders. The severity of psychotic symptoms and levels of personal and social functioning were assessed by the Clinician-rated Dimensions of Psychosis Symptom Severity (CRDPSS) scale and the Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scale, respectively. PIU was evaluated using Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Additionally, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Rosenberg Selfesteem Scale (RSES), and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) Inventory were administered.ResultsPIU was identified in 81 (22.0%) of the 368 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Subjects with PIU were significantly younger and more likely to be male. Scores on the HADS, PSS, and dysfunctional coping dimension of the Brief COPE Inventory were significantly higher, and RSES scores were significantly lower, in the PIU group. Logistic regression analysis indicated that PIU in patients was significantly associated with scores on the PSS and dysfunctional coping dimension of the Brief COPE Inventory.ConclusionsPatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and PIU were significantly more likely to have high levels of perceived stress and dysfunctional coping strategies. Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who also engage in PIU may benefit from interventions that help them to develop appropriate skills for coping with stress.     

Exploratory study on the base-rate of paranoid ideation in a non-clinical Chinese sample

The aim of the present study was to explore the associations of perceived social support and parental attitude with alexithymia in a Finnish adolescent population sample. Of the initial sample of 935 adolescents, 729 (78%) answered the questionnaire and formed the final sample. The mean age of the subjects was 19 years (range 17-21 years). The 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) was used for assessment of alexithymia. Perceived social support from family, friends, and significant other people was measured using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Perceived parental care and overprotection were assessed using the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), and separately for mother and father. After controlling for the sociodemographic factors, alexithymia was significantly associated with a lower degree of experienced social support and higher parental overprotection both in females and males. Maternal overprotection was associated (p<0.04) with TAS-20 total score as well as the Difficulty Identifying Feelings (DIF) and Difficulty Describing Feelings (DDF) subscales. The lack of social support from friends appeared to predict alexithymia more strongly than lack of support from family and significant other people. Against our hypothesis, maternal and paternal care was not directly associated with alexithymic features. This study highlights the significance of intrusive and overprotective parental attitudes as a possible risk factor for development of alexithymia. However, to assess causality, we need longitudinal studies. The results also emphasize the need for further studies to establish the significance of peer relationships in the development of alexithymia.     

The association of Internet addiction symptoms with anxiety,depression and self-esteem among adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Background

The aims of this study were to examine the associations of the severity of Internet addiction symptoms with various dimensions of anxiety (physical anxiety symptoms, harm avoidance, social anxiety, and separation/panic) and depression symptoms (depressed affect, somatic symptoms, interpersonal problems, and positive affect) and self-esteem among adolescents diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Taiwan.

Method

A total of 287 adolescents aged between 11 and 18 years who had been diagnosed with ADHD participated in this study. Their severity of Internet addiction symptoms was assessed using the Chen Internet Addiction Scale. Anxiety and depression symptoms and self-esteem were assessed using the Taiwanese version of the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC-T), the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), respectively. The association between the severity of Internet addiction symptoms and anxiety and depression symptoms and self-esteem were examined using multiple regression analyses.

Results

The results indicated that higher physical symptoms and lower harm avoidance scores on the MASC-T, higher somatic discomfort/retarded activity scores on the CES-D, and lower self-esteem scores on the RSES were significantly associated with more severe Internet addiction symptoms.

Conclusions

Prevention and intervention programs for Internet addiction in adolescents with ADHD should take anxiety, depression, and self-esteem into consideration.     

Stability of alexithymia in late adolescence: Results of a 4-year follow-up study

The aim of the present study was to assess the stability of alexithymia in adolescents and the effects of parental factors and social support thereon. The sample comprised 315 late adolescents, of whom 259 were female and 56 male. At baseline, the mean age of the subjects was 19 years (range 17–21 years). The follow-up period was 4 years (2008–2012). The 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) was used for the assessment of alexithymia both at baseline and follow-up. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) were used as measures at baseline. Regarding absolute stability, the changes in the TAS-20 total scores and two subscales (DIF and EOT) were statistically significant but the effect sizes for the changes were small (Cohen?s d 0.21–0.24). The test–retest correlations for the TAS-20 total and subscale scores were high (ρ=0.50–0.64, P<0.001), indicating relative stability. While several parental and social support variables were associated with alexithymia at baseline, low social support from friends was the only to predict higher alexithymia at follow-up. Alexithymia is a stable personality trait also in late adolescence. Low social support from friends is related to alexithymia in young adulthood.     

How can the Alexithymia and Behavioural Inhibition predict the perceived pain intensity in patients with chronic pain?

ObjectiveThis study investigates the mediating role of behavioral inhibition system in the relationship between alexithymia and perceived pain intensity in patients with chronic pain, and the moderating role of anxiety in the relationship between behavioral inhibition system and the perceived pain intensity in such patients.MethodsThe research was conducted on 440 patients with chronic pain who were referred to pain centers in Tehran. Participants were asked to answer Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), The Inhibition/Activation System Scale (BIS/BAS), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for perceived pain intensity, and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS).ResultsThe results indicated that behavioral inhibition system plays a mediating role in the relationship between alexithymia and perceived pain intensity in patients with chronic pain. Anxiety plays a moderating role in the relationship between the behavioral inhibition system and perceived pain intensity, as well.ConclusionThe relationship between alexithymia and the perceived pain intensity is not a simple linear one, but is mediated by behavioral inhibition system. Also, anxiety determines the effect of the behavioral inhibition system on the perceived pain intensity of the patients.     

网络成瘾大学生述情障碍和共情缺陷特征及二者关联性

目的探讨网络成瘾大学生的述情障碍与共情缺陷特征及其相关性,为网络成瘾的心理干预提供依据。方法采用多伦多述情障碍量表中文版(TAS-20-C)和人际反应指针量表中文版(IRI-C)分别对某高校采用病理性网络成瘾量表(IAT)筛选出的98名网络成瘾大学生和104名正常学生进行测评。结果成瘾组TAS-20-C总分及F1、F3因子得分均显著高于非成瘾组(P0.01)。成瘾组IRI-C得分中FS(想象力)、EC(共情性)因子得分显著低于非成瘾组(P0.01)。成瘾组述情障碍与共情缺陷呈显著相关。结论网络成瘾大学生存在述情障碍和共情缺陷,且两者间存在相关。     

Increased deficits in emotion recognition and regulation in children and adolescents with exogenous obesity

Objectives: In this study we aimed to evaluate emotion recognition and emotion regulation skills of children with exogenous obesity between the ages of 11 and 18 years and compare them with healthy controls.

Methods: The Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged Children was used for psychiatric evaluations. Emotion recognition skills were evaluated using Faces Test and Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test. The Difficulties in Emotions Regulation Scale was used for evaluating skills of emotion regulation.

Results: Children with obesity had lower scores on Faces Test and Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test, and experienced greater difficulty in emotional regulation skills.

Conclusions: Improved understanding of emotional recognition and emotion regulation in young people with obesity may improve their social adaptation and help in the treatment of their disorder. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate both emotional recognition and emotion regulation functions in obese children and obese adolescents between 11 and 18 years of age.     

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of body dysmorphic disorder in adolescent inpatient psychiatric patients—a pilot study

Abstract

Background: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is preoccupation with perceived body defects leading to distress and impairment in social functioning. Most of adolescent BDD literature has been done on patients within the outpatient setting with prior versions of DSM with dearth of information about BDD and comorbid psychiatric conditions among adolescents within the inpatient setting.

Aims: This pilot study evaluated the prevalence rate, clinical characteristics in adolescent BDD compared to non-BDD adolescents in a psychiatric in patient setting in addition to their comorbid issues like anxiety, OCD, ADHD and substance abuse.

Methods: Forty-five consecutively admitted adolescent patients participated with 17 meeting the DSM 5 criteria for BDD while 28 did not. Patients were asked four questions designed around the DSM-5 criteria for BDD after which they were asked to complete questionnaires like BDDQ child and adolescent version, BDDM, Multiaxial Anxiety Scale for Children, Children’s Depression Inventory, Y-BOCS and Vanderbilt ADHD rating scales.

Results: Seventeen participants had BDD. Mean age of BDD patients was 13.1 while non-BDD was 12.4. Male patients with BDD were seven (41%) while female BDD patients were 10 (58.8%). Anxiety, depression, OCD and substance use disorders were common comorbid diagnoses. Majority of patients in the BDD group classified their BDD as a severe problem with more BDD, patient’s considering suicide because of their BDD.

Discussion: BDD is present in adolescents admitted in inpatient psychiatric hospital with more female patients endorsing BDD versus their male counterparts. Patients with BDD are more likely to endorse more comorbid psychiatric issues such as anxiety, OCD, ADHD and substance abuse.     

Psychiatric comorbidity assessed in Korean children and adolescents who screen positive for Internet addiction

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate clinical comorbidity in children and adolescents with Internet addiction by using structured interview. METHOD: The study was performed in 2 stages. We screened for the presence of Internet addiction among 455 children (mean +/- SD age = 11.0 +/- 0.9 years) and 836 adolescents (mean +/- SD age = 15.8 +/- 0.8 years) using Young's Internet Addiction Scale. These subjects also completed a measure of psychopathology for comparison between addicted and nonaddicted subjects. Sixty-three children (13.8%) and 170 adolescents (20.3%) screened positive for Internet addiction. Of these, 12 children (male, N = 9; female, N = 3) and 12 adolescents (male, N = 11; female, N = 1) were randomly selected for evaluation of current psychiatric diagnoses. Structured interviews used were K-SADS-PL-K for children and SCID-IV for adolescents. Data were collected and interviews were conducted from August 2003 through October 2004. RESULTS: In the child group, 7 were diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) not otherwise specified including those with subthreshold levels. Mean DuPaul's ADHD Rating Scale scores were more than 20% higher than the mean in Korean children for 6 subjects. In the adolescent group, 3 subjects had major depressive disorder, 1 had schizophrenia, and 1 had obsessive-compulsive disorder. CONCLUSION: By structured interview, we found that Internet-addicted subjects had various comorbid psychiatric disorders. The most closely related comorbidities differ with age. Though we can not conclude that Internet addiction is a cause or consequence of these disorders, clinicians must consider the possibility of age-specific comorbid psychiatric disorders in cases of Internet addiction.     

The Difference in Comorbidities and Behavioral Aspects between Internet Abuse and Internet Dependence in Korean Male Adolescents

Objective

This study examined the differences in psychiatric comorbidities and behavioral aspects in accordance with the severity of Internet addiction in male adolescents.

Methods

One hundred and twenty-five adolescents from four middle and high schools in Seoul were enrolled in this study. The subjects were divided into non-addict, abuse, and dependence groups according to a diagnostic interview by psychiatrists. The psychiatric comorbidities and behavioral aspects of subjects were evaluated through psychiatric clinical interviews based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edition), the Children''s Depression Inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Internet Addiction Test, and a self-reported questionnaire about behavioral aspects.

Results

The psychiatric comorbidity distributions were significantly different in the abuse and dependence groups, particularly in terms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and mood disorder items. The Children''s Depression Inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Internet Addiction Test scores were also significantly different among the three groups. There were significant differences in 10 of the 20 items of the Internet Addiction Test between the non-addict, abuse, and dependence groups. There were significant differences in seven items between the non-addict and abuse groups, but no differences between subjects in the abuse and dependence groups. Significant differences were observed in three items between the abuse and dependence groups, but there were no significant differences between the non-addict and abuse groups. In terms of behavioral aspects, scores for abusive, sexual, and decreased social interest behaviors were highest in the dependence group, and lowest in the non-addict group. However, the behavioral aspects of decreased interpersonal relationships did not show this difference between groups.

Conclusion

This study suggests that there are differences in psychiatric comorbidities and behavioral aspects between adolescent males with characteristics of Internet abuse and Internet dependence.     

The Relationship of Smartphone Addiction and Alexithymia

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate whether smartphone addiction (SA) is associated with social media use and alexithymia levels in university students. MethodsA group of 935 students aged between 18 and 45 years (509 females and 426 males) was recruited from different universities in Istanbul. SAs, alexithymia and social media use were assessed using the Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version (SAS-SV), Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20), and ad-hoc questions regarding social media use. ResultsThe mean age of participants was 21.89±3.27 years and 509 of participants were female (54.4%). 455 (48.6%) participants were placed in the “SA” and 198 (21.2%) in the “alexithymia” categories. The study found a high level of positive correlation (p<0.001) between both subscale and total TAS-20 scores and SAS-SV scores. Gender (OR=1.496, 95% CI 1.117–2.002, p=0.007) and number of social media by participants (OR=1.221, 95% CI 1.134–1.315, p<0.001) and TAS (OR=1.074, 95% CI 1.059–1.090, p<0.001) were found to be an independent predictors for SA. ConclusionThe study revealed a positive correlation between alexithymia and smartphone use severity, and alexithymia was a significant predictor of SA. Future studies focusing on the causal aspect of this relationship will be useful in planning strategies for treatment.     

Relation entre alexithymie et impulsivité dans un échantillon d’adolescents scolarisés de la région de Sfax,Tunisie

ObjectivesThe study of alexithymia in adolescence seems particularly interesting for various reasons. First, physical, psychological and social changes create new experiences of emotional reactivation. Second, the adolescent period coincides with the maturation of the hormonal, neuronal, and cognitive systems that underlie the development of emotional regulation. Finally, evidence suggests that alexithymia may have detrimental consequences in adolescents, including substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, behavioral disorders and self-injury. Also, alexithymia is associated with impulsivity because of a deficit in the cognitive processing of emotions with tendencies to act rather than talking about feelings. The purpose of the current study is to estimate the prevalence of alexithymia in a sample of school-aged adolescents in the Sfax region (Tunisia) and to evaluate its links with impulsivity.Materials and methodsCross-sectional study involving 474 students from public institutions in the Sfax region. Participants completed, after consent, an epidemiological fact sheet, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11).ResultsThe average age of the students was 14.77 ± 1.75 years with extremes ranging from 13 to 18 years old. The sex ratio was 0.96. The prevalence of alexithymia was 35.86% and that of impulsivity 39%. The analytical study showed that alexithymic adolescents had a higher degree of impulsivity (27.4% vs 11.8%, p = 0.001) with a positive correlation between TAS20 and Barratt scores (p < 10⁻³ ; r = 0,33).ConclusionOur study shows that alexithymia is common in our adolescents and is associated with impulsivity. The prevention of alexithymia seems essential to reduce the frequency of impulsive behavior.     

Incidence and predictive factors of Internet addiction among Chinese secondary school students in Hong Kong: a longitudinal study

Purpose

Internet use has global influences on all aspects of life and has become a growing concern. Cross-sectional studies on Internet addiction (IA) have been reported but causality is often unclear. More longitudinal studies are warranted.

Methods

We investigated incidence and predictors of IA conversion among secondary school students. A 12-month longitudinal study was conducted among Hong Kong Chinese Secondary 1–4 students (N?=?8286). Using the 26-item Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS; cut-off >63), non-IA cases were identified at baseline. Conversion to IA during the follow-up period was detected, with incidence and predictors derived using multi-level models.

Results

Prevalence of IA was 16.0% at baseline and incidence of IA was 11.81 per 100 person-years (13.74 for males and 9.78 for females). Risk background factors were male sex, higher school forms, and living with only one parent, while protective background factors were having a mother/father with university education. Adjusted for all background factors, higher baseline CIAS score (ORa?=?1.07), longer hours spent online for entertainment and social communication (ORa?=?1.92 and 1.63 respectively), and Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs (except perceived severity of IA and perceived self-efficacy to reduce use) were significant predictors of conversion to IA (ORa?=?1.07–1.45).

Conclusions

Prevalence and incidence of IA conversion were high and need attention. Interventions should take into account risk predictors identified, such as those of the HBM, and time management skills should be enhanced. Screening is warranted to identify those at high risk (e.g. high CIAS score) and provide them with primary and secondary interventions.