A preliminary investigation on the relationship between virtues and pathological internet use among Chinese adolescents

Chinese Medicine

Ying Wang⁴  Pengfei Guo³  Jinxia Wang¹  Fei Wang⁶  Fengchun Gan⁷  Xiaoqing Tang⁵  Wenjie Duan⁵  Zhihan Yang²  Yonghong Zhang² 

[1] Chongqing Cultural Development Research Institute, Chongqing, China;School of Cultural and Social Development Studies, Southwest University, Chongqing, China;Party Committee Office, Hospital (T. C. M) Affiliated to Luzhou Medical College, Sichuan, China;Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China;Department of Applied Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;Office of Academic Affairs, The Sixteenth Middle School of Changzhi City, Shanxi, China;Faculty of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China

关键词: Relationship;    Conscientiousness;    Vitality;    Pathological Internet use;    Virtue;   

Others  :  790538
DOI  :  10.1186/1753-2000-8-8

 received in 2013-11-14, accepted in 2014-02-24,  发布年份 2014

【 摘 要 】

Background

Pathological Internet Use (PIU) has become a global issue associated with the increasing number of Internet users. Previous studies concerned both the interpersonal and intrapersonal vulnerable factors and the corresponding models. However, a limited amount of research has explored the relationship between positive factors and PIU.

Objective

The current investigation attempted to clarify the relationship between virtues and PIU among Chinese adolescents; it also sought to explore the specific contributions of the three virtues. Virtue was the core concept in positive psychology and the Values in Action Classification. A recent study demonstrated that there might be three universal virtues (relationship, vitality, and conscientiousness).

Methods

A cross-sectional sample of adolescents aged 12-17 years were recruited in 2013. A total of 674 adolescents (males = 302, females = 372; junior high school = 296, senior high school = 378) from eight junior and senior high schools in four provinces of Mainland China completed a package of psychological inventories, including the Chinese Virtues Questionnaire (CVQ) and the Adolescent Pathological Internet Use Scale (APIUS). The mean age of the current sample was 15.10 years (SD = 1.81) with an average of 5.31 years’ length (SD = 2.09) of Internet use.

Results

A total of 9.50% participants exhibited significant symptoms of PIU. Male students (M_male = 2.50) had significantly higher scores on PIU than female students (M_female = 2.25). Relationship (β = -.24) and conscientiousness (β = -.21) negatively predicted PIU, whereas vitality (β = .25) positively predicted PIU. Dominance analysis further revealed that relationship and conscientiousness could explain 81% variance of PIU, and vitality only accounted for another 19%.

Conclusions

Relationship and conscientiousness were possible protective factors of pathological Internet users, while vitality was vulnerable. The results could be helpful in screening “at-risk” Internet users (low relationship and conscientiousness as well as high vitality). Future intervention strategies could focus on how to enhance relationship and conscientiousness and on how to reduce vitality.

【 授权许可】

   
2014 Zhang et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

【 参考文献 】

• [1]The World in 2013: ICT Facts and Figures http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Documents/facts/ICTFactsFigures2013-e.pdf webcite
• [2]China Internet Network Information Center: Statistical Report on Internet Development in China. Beijing: China Internet Network Information Center; 2013.
• [3]Yuen CN, Lavin MJ: Internet dependence in the collegiate population: the role of shyness. Cyberpsychol Behav 2004, 7(4):379-383.
• [4]Gross EF: Adolescent Internet use: what we expect, what teens report. J Appl Dev Psychol 2004, 25(6):633-649.
• [5]Kandell JJ: Internet addiction on campus: the vulnerability of college students. Cyberpsychol Behav 1998, 1(1):11-17.
• [6]Young K: Internet addiction over the decade: a personal look back. World Psychiatr 2010, 9(2):91.
• [7]Durkee T, Kaess M, Carli V, Sarchiapone M, Wasserman C, Hoven C, Wasserman D: 1672–Pathological internet use among european adolescents: psychopathology and self-destructive behaviors. Eur Psychiatry 2013, 28:1.
• [8]Siomos KE, Dafouli ED, Braimiotis DA, Mouzas OD, Angelopoulos NV: Internet addiction among Greek adolescent students. Cyberpsychol Behav 2008, 11(6):653-657.
• [9]Villella C, Martinotti G, Di Nicola M, Cassano M, La Torre G, Gliubizzi MD, Messeri I, Petruccelli F, Bria P, Janiri L: Behavioural addictions in adolescents and young adults: results from a prevalence study. J Gambl Stud 2011, 27(2):203-214.
• [10]Cao F-l, Su L-y: Internet addiction among Chinese adolescents: prevalence and psychological features. Child: Care Health Dev 2007, 33(3):275-281.
• [11]Ni X, Yan H, Chen S, Liu Z: Factors influencing internet addiction in a sample of freshmen university students in China. Cyberpsychol Behav 2009, 12(3):327-330.
• [12]Wang Y, Wang J, Fu D: Epidemiological investigation on internet addiction among internet users in elementary and middle school students. Chin Ment Health J 2008, 22(9):678-682.
• [13]Zhu K, Wu H: Psychosocial factors of internet addiction disorder in college students. Chin Mental Health J 2008, 18:796-798.
• [14]Spada MM: An overview of problematic internet use. Addict Behav 2014, 39(1):3-6.
• [15]Morahan-Martin J, Schumacher P: Incidence and correlates of pathological internet use among college students. Comput Hum Behav 2000, 16(1):13-29.
• [16]Young KS, Rogers RC: The relationship between depression and internet addiction. Cyberpsychol Behav 1998, 1(1):25-28.
• [17]Beard KW: Internet addiction: a review of current assessment techniques and potential assessment questions. Cyberpsychol Behav 2005, 8(1):7-14.
• [18]Davis RA: A cognitive-behavioral model of pathological internet use. Comput Hum Behav 2001, 17(2):187-195.
• [19]Shapira NA, Lessig MC, Goldsmith TD, Szabo ST, Lazoritz M, Gold MS, Stein DJ: Problematic internet use: proposed classification and diagnostic criteria. Depress Anxiety 2003, 17(4):207-216.
• [20]Wang W: Internet dependency and psychosocial maturity among college students. Int J Hum Comput Stud 2001, 55(6):919-938.
• [21]Young KS: Internet addiction: symptoms, evaluation and treatment. In Innovations in clinical practice: A source book. edn edition. Edited by Van de Creek L, Jackson X. Sarasota, FL: Professional Resource Press; 1999:19-31. [17]
• [22]Jessor R, Jessor SL: Problem behavior and psychosocial development: a longitudinal study of youth. New York, NY: Academic; 1977.
• [23]Ko C-H, Yen J-Y, Yen C-F, Chen C-S, Weng C-C, Chen C-C: The association between Internet addiction and problematic alcohol use in adolescents: the problem behavior model. Cyberpsychol Behav 2008, 11(5):571-576.
• [24]De Leo JA, Wulfert E: Problematic Internet use and other risky behaviors in college students: an application of problem-behavior theory. Psychol Addict Behav 2013, 27(1):133.
• [25]Walther JB, Reid LD: Understanding the allure of the internet. Chron Higher Educ 2000, 4:4-5.
• [26]Grohol JM: Too much time online: internet addiction or healthy social interactions? Cyberpsychol Behav 1999, 2(5):395-401.
• [27]Quayle E, Taylor M: Model of problematic internet use in people with a sexual interest in children. Cyberpsychol Behav 2003, 6(1):93-106.
• [28]Young KS: Internet addiction: the emergence of a new clinical disorder. Cyberpsychol Behav 1998, 1(3):237-244.
• [29]Xiuqin H, Huimin Z, Mengchen L, Jinan W, Ying Z, Ran T: Mental health, personality, and parental rearing styles of adolescents with Internet addiction disorder. 2010.
• [30]van der Aa N, Overbeek G, Engels RC, Scholte RH, Meerkerk G-J, Van den Eijnden RJ: Daily and compulsive internet use and well-being in adolescence: a diathesis-stress model based on big five personality traits. J Youth Adolesc 2009, 38(6):765-776.
• [31]Dong G, Wang J, Yang X, Zhou H: Risk personality traits of Internet addiction: A longitudinal study of Internet-addicted Chinese university students. Asia-Pac Psychiatr 2013, 4(5):316-321.
• [32]Tsai HF, Cheng SH, Yeh TL, Shih C-C, Chen KC, Yang YC, Yang YK: The risk factors of internet addiction—a survey of university freshmen. Psychiatry Res 2009, 167(3):294-299.
• [33]Chak K, Leung L: Shyness and locus of control as predictors of internet addiction and internet use. Cyberpsychol Behav 2004, 7(5):559-570.
• [34]Amichai-Hamburger Y, Ben-Artzi E: Loneliness and internet use. Comput Hum Behav 2003, 19(1):71-80.
• [35]Seligman MEP, Parks AC, Steen T: A balanced psychology and a full life. Roy Soc Phil Trans: Biol Sci 2004, 359:1379-1381.
• [36]Dahlsgaard K, Peterson C, Seligman MEP: Shared virtue: the convergence of valued human strengths across culture and history. Rev Gen Psychol 2005, 9(3):203-213.
• [37]Peterson C, Seligman MEP: Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification. USA: Oxford University Press; 2004.
• [38]Park N, Peterson C, Seligman MEP: Strengths of character and well-being: a closer look at hope and modesty. J Soc Clin Psychol 2004, 23(5):628-634.
• [39]Peterson C: Strengths of character and happiness: introduction to special issue. J Happiness Stud 2006, 7(3):289-291.
• [40]Quinlan D, Swain N, Vella-Brodrick DA: Character Strengths Interventions: Building on What We Know for Improved Outcomes. J Happiness Stud 2013, 13(6):1145-1163.
• [41]Seligman MEP, Csikszentmihalyi M: Positive psychology: an introduction. Am Psychol 2000, 55(1):410-421.
• [42]Duan W, Ho SMY, Tang X, Li T, Zhang Y: Character Strength-Based Intervention to Promote Satisfaction with Life in the Chinese University Context. J Happiness Studin press
• [43]Duan W, Ho SMY, Bai Y, Tang X, Zhang Y, Li T, Yuen T: Factor structure of the Chinese virtues questionnaire. Res Soc Work Pract 2012, 22(6):680-688.
• [44]Ho SMY, Rochelle TLR, Law LSC, Duan W, Bai Y, Shih S-M, Wang G-L: Methodological Issues in Positive Psychology Research among the Chinese. In Perspectives on the Intersection of Multiculturalism & Positive Psychology. Edited by Pedrotti JT, Edwards LM. N.Y: Springer Science + Business Media B.V; in press
• [45]Kim JH: Virtue and Character Strengths, Coping, and Quality of Life for People with Chronic Illness and Disability. USA: The University of Wisconsin-Madison; 2008.
• [46]Brdar I, Kashdan TB: Character strengths and well-being in Croatia: an empirical investigation of structure and correlates. J Res Pers 2010, 44(1):151-154.
• [47]Duan W, Bai Y, Zhang Y, Tang X, Wang Z, Li T: Values in action inventory of strengths in college students: reliability and validity. Ch J Clin Psychol 2011, 19(4):473-475.
• [48]Kristjánsson K: Positive psychology, happiness, and virtue: the troublesome conceptual issues. Rev Gen Psychol 2010, 14(4):296-310.
• [49]Kristjánsson K: Aristotle, emotions and education. Aldershot: Ashgate Publishing; 2007.
• [50]Ho SMY, Cheung MWL: Using the combined etic-emic approach to develop a measurement of interpersonal subjective well-being in Chinese populations. In Oxford handbook of methods in positive psychology. Edited by Ong AD, Dulmen M. N.Y: Oxford University Press; 2007:139-152.
• [51]Duan W, Bai Y, Ho SMY, Tang X: The operation procedure of equivalence of measuring instruments in cross-cultural researches: what have we learnt from the positive psychology? Adv Psychol 2012, 2(2):78-84.
• [52]Duan W, Ho SMY, Bai Y, Tang X: Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese virtues questionnaire. Res Soc Work Pract 2013, 23(3):336-345.
• [53]Ho SMY, Duan W, Tang SCM: The Psychology of Virtue and Happiness in Western and Asian Thought. In The Philosophy and Psychology of Character and Happiness. Edited by Snow NE, Trivigno FV. New York: Routledge; In press
• [54]Duan W, Bai Y, Tang X, Siu PY, Chan RKH, Ho SMY: Virtues and positive mental health. Hong Kong J Mental Health 2012, 38(5):24-31.
• [55]Podsakoff PM, MacKenzie SB, Lee JY, Podsakoff NP: Common method biases in behavioral research: a critical review of the literature and recommended remedies. J Appl Psychol 2003, 88(5):879.
• [56]Lei L, Yang Y: The development and validation of adolescent pathological Internet use scale. Acta Psychol Sin 2007, 39(4):688-696.
• [57]Kuss DJ, Griffiths MD, Karila L, Billieux J: Internet addiction: a systematic review of epidemiological research for the last decade. Curr Pharm DesIn press
• [58]MacCallum RC, Browne MW, Sugawara HM: Power analysis and determination of sample size for covariance structure modeling. Psychol Meth 1996, 1(2):130.
• [59]Johnson JW: A heuristic method for estimating the relative weight of predictor variables in multiple regression. Multivariate Behav Res 2000, 35(1):1-19.
• [60]Budescu DV: Dominance analysis: a new approach to the problem of relative importance of predictors in multiple regression. Psychol Bull 1993, 114(3):542-551.
• [61]Milani L, Osualdella D, Di Blasio P: Quality of interpersonal relationships and problematic internet use in adolescence. Cyberpsychol Behav 2009, 12(6):681-684.
• [62]McKenna KY, Green AS, Gleason ME: Relationship formation on the Internet: what’s the big attraction? J Soc Issues 2002, 58(1):9-31.
• [63]Karim NSA, Zamzuri NHA, Nor YM: Exploring the relationship between Internet ethics in university students and the big five model of personality. Comput Educ 2009, 53(1):86-93.
• [64]Bogg T, Roberts BW: Conscientiousness and health-related behaviors: a meta-analysis of the leading behavioral contributors to mortality. Psychol Bull 2004, 130(6):887-919.
• [65]Akın A: The relationships between Internet addiction, subjective vitality, and subjective happiness. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw 2012, 15(8):404-410.
• [66]Ko C-H, Hsiao S, Liu G-C, Yen J-Y, Yang M-J, Yen C-F: The characteristics of decision making, potential to take risks, and personality of college students with internet addiction. Psychiatr Res 2010, 175(1):121-125.
• [67]Mehroof M, Griffiths MD: Online gaming addiction: the role of sensation seeking, self-control, neuroticism, aggression, state anxiety, and trait anxiety. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw 2010, 13(3):313-316.
• [68]Suler JR: To get what you need: healthy and pathological Internet use. Cyberpsychol Behav 1999, 2(5):385-393.
• [69]Shedler J, Block J: Adolescent drug use and psychological health: a longitudinal inquiry. Am Psychol 1990, 45(5):612.