Daily and Compulsive Internet Use and Well-Being in Adolescence: A Diathesis-Stress Model Based on Big Five Personality Traits

This study examined the associations between adolescents' daily Internet use and low well-being (i.e., loneliness, low self-esteem, and depressive moods). We hypothesized that (a) linkages between high levels of daily Internet use and low well-being would be mediated by compulsive Internet use...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of youth and adolescence 2009-07, Vol.38 (6), p.765-776
Main Authors: Aa, Miels van der, Overbeek, Geertjan, Engels, Rutger C. M. E., Scholte, Ron H J, Meerkerk, Gert-Jan, Van den Eijnden, Regina J. J. M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescents
Everyday Life
Internet
Netherlands
Personality Traits
Time Utilization
Well Being
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Summary:This study examined the associations between adolescents' daily Internet use and low well-being (i.e., loneliness, low self-esteem, and depressive moods). We hypothesized that (a) linkages between high levels of daily Internet use and low well-being would be mediated by compulsive Internet use (CIU), and (b) that adolescents with low levels of agreeableness and emotional stability, and high levels of introversion would be more likely to develop CIU and lower well-being. Data were used from a sample of 7888 Dutch adolescents (1121 years). Results from structural equation modeling analyses showed that daily Internet use was indirectly related to low well-being through CIU. In addition, daily Internet use was found to be more strongly related to CIU in introverted, low-agreeable, and emotionally less-stable adolescents. In turn, again, CIU was more strongly linked to loneliness in introverted, emotionally less-stable, and less agreeable adolescents. Adapted from the source document.
ISSN:0047-2891
DOI:10.1177/s10964-008-9298-3