Adult Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Internet Addiction in College Students: Prevalence and Differential Associations

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Adult Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Internet Addiction in College Students: Prevalence and Differential Associations
Language: English
Authors: Zhang, Wei, Jiang, Xu (ORCID 0000-0001-7324-7125), Yang, Lu, Zhu, Wanling
Source: European Journal of Psychology and Educational Research. 2022 5(1):33-43.
Availability: Eurasian Society of Educational Research. 7321 Parkway Drive South, Hanover, MD 21076. e-mail: publisher@ejper.com; Web site: https://www.ejper.com/about-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 11
Publication Date: 2022
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, College Students, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Internet, Addictive Behavior, Rating Scales, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Computer Use, Time
Geographic Terms: China
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: Conners Rating Scales
ISSN: 2589-949X
Abstract: This paper presents an investigation that aims to: (1) explore the relations between core symptoms of adult Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and several typical Internet activities, and (2) compare the predictive power of two core symptoms of ADHD- inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity- in predicting Internet addiction. Methods: A total of 2016 Chinese college students participated in this study. The ADHD symptoms were assessed using Conners self-rating scales and DSM-5 semistructured interviews. Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (SCID-5) was used to exclude other psychiatric disorders. Chen's Internet addiction scale (CIAS) was used to evaluate Internet addiction. Information about Internet activities (e.g., online gaming) was collected through a self-constructed questionnaire. Results: The ratio of Internet addiction problems among individuals with ADHD symptoms is significantly higher than in ordinary individuals (48.9% vs. 14.3%). Further, each core ADHD symptom has unique relations with different types of Internet activities. Specifically, both core ADHD symptoms are negatively associated with information downloading and online learning, and positively associated with online gaming, while online shopping is only associated with hyperactivity/impulsivity. Furthermore, both core ADHD symptoms are significant predictors of Internet addiction, especially inattention. Conclusion: College students with ADHD symptoms are at a higher risk of having Internet addiction than peers without ADHD symptoms. For individuals with ADHD symptoms and excessive online gaming and/or online shopping behaviors, the probability of having Internet addiction is even higher. These findings have important implications for identifying risk factors of Internet addiction and preventing Internet addiction in Higher Education settings.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2022
Accession Number: EJ1353274
Database: ERIC
Be the first to leave a comment!
You must be logged in first