Relationship between internet addiction, psychopathology and self-esteem among university students

Objectives. Internet addiction is closely associated with general psychopathology and interpersonal relationships. The aim of our study is to investigate the relationship between internet addiction, psychopathology and selfesteem among university students. Methods. One hundred and eighty-five volunteer university students were involved in this study. The participants are evaluated with socio-demographic data form, Internet Addiction Scale (IAS), Symptom Check List (SCL-90), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Results. In order to evaluate the internet addiction, the participants were divided into three internet addiction (IA) groups as "none", "low" and "moderate/high" according to their addiction status. The addiction status was assessed as risk of low level in 59 (31.89 %) participants, high level in 27 (14.59 %) participants and none in 99 (53.51%) participants. A high positive correlation was found between IAS and SCL-90 subscales and RSES (p<0.001). In three different IA groups it was found out that all SCL-90 subscale averages increase (p<0.001), and RSES subscale averages decrease (p=0.001) as internet addiction severity increases. According to regression analysis it is seen that, all SCL-90 subscale scores explain 19.4% of IAS scores and, all SCL-90 subscales and RSES subscale scores explain 25% of IAS scores. Conclusions. Significant relationship was found between internet addiction and general psychopathology and self-esteem. This result shows that psychopathology and self-esteem must be taken into consideration as important parameters in approach to internet addiction.