Objective: Problematic Internet use (PIU) and its relation to psychopathology is an emergent but disputed issue in literature. In the current study, we explored the relationship between psychiatric symptoms, dissociative processes, adult attachment styles and PIU. Method: A community sample of 261 adults completed self-report questionnaires assessing Internet addiction symptoms (Internet Addiction Test – IAT), psychiatric symptoms (Symptom Checklist-90 Revised, SCL-90-R), dissociation (Dissociative Experiences Scale-II, DES-II), and adult attachment styles (Relationship Questionnaire, RQ). Socio-demographic data were also collected. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the role of the hypothesized predictors on PIU. Results: Attachment styles did not predict PIU, which was predicted instead by male gender, dissociative experiences and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Adult attachment styles may be not sufficent in explaining PIU when psychiatric symptoms and dissociative processes are taken into account. This is in line with previous research suggesting that negative affectivity and dissociation are more strictly related to the development and maintenance of the condition, especially among males.
An exploratory study on problematic internet use predictors: Which role for attachment and dissociation? / Musetti, Alessandro; Terrone, Grazia; Schimmenti, Adriano. - In: CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY. - ISSN 1724-4935. - 15:1(2018), pp. 35-41.
An exploratory study on problematic internet use predictors: Which role for attachment and dissociation?
Musetti, Alessandro;
2018-01-01
Abstract
Objective: Problematic Internet use (PIU) and its relation to psychopathology is an emergent but disputed issue in literature. In the current study, we explored the relationship between psychiatric symptoms, dissociative processes, adult attachment styles and PIU. Method: A community sample of 261 adults completed self-report questionnaires assessing Internet addiction symptoms (Internet Addiction Test – IAT), psychiatric symptoms (Symptom Checklist-90 Revised, SCL-90-R), dissociation (Dissociative Experiences Scale-II, DES-II), and adult attachment styles (Relationship Questionnaire, RQ). Socio-demographic data were also collected. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the role of the hypothesized predictors on PIU. Results: Attachment styles did not predict PIU, which was predicted instead by male gender, dissociative experiences and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Adult attachment styles may be not sufficent in explaining PIU when psychiatric symptoms and dissociative processes are taken into account. This is in line with previous research suggesting that negative affectivity and dissociation are more strictly related to the development and maintenance of the condition, especially among males.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.