College Students and Problematic Internet Use: A Pilot Study Assessing Self-Appraisal and Independent Behavior Change

J Adolesc Health. 2019 Jan;64(1):131-133. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.06.029. Epub 2018 Sep 22.

Abstract

Purpose: Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is a growing health concern; universal screening and validated interventions remain elusive. This pilot study's purpose was to assess participants' self-appraisal of PIU risk, and the subsequent frequency and outcome of behavior change after validated PIU screening.

Methods: In this 3-year study, college student participants reported yearly self-appraised PIU risk, and then completed a problematic and risky internet use screening scale. At Time 3, participants reported behavior change based on Time 2 screening.

Results: Our 283 participants were 57% female and 75% Caucasian. Participants' self-appraisal of PIU risk had a sensitivity of 23%-39%. Of 29 participants at risk at Time 2, six (20.6%) reported attempted behavior change at Time 3, though 83.3% remained at risk.

Conclusions: College students have varied capacity to assess and implement effective behavior change regarding PIU. The role of providers in identification and intervention for PIU remains critical.

Keywords: Behavior change; College students; Internet; Intervention; Longitudinal; Problematic internet use; Screening.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Behavior, Addictive / epidemiology
  • Behavior, Addictive / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet / statistics & numerical data*
  • Male
  • Pilot Projects
  • Risk Factors
  • Self-Assessment*
  • Students / psychology*
  • Students / statistics & numerical data
  • Universities
  • Young Adult