An Internet Addiction Model Based on Cognitive-Behavioral Approach Among Adolescents: Maladaptive Cognitions, Psychopathology, and Situational Cues

This study examined the potential mediating role of maladaptive cognitions in the relationship between psychopathology, situational cues, and Internet addiction. The hypothesis for the study derives from Davis ’ cognitive-behavioral model of pathological Internet use. Participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling method and consist of 2197 high school students (1346 girls and 846 boys) from 34 high schools in the metropolitan area in Turkey. The research model was tested using structural equat ion modeling. The results indicated that the hypothesized model fit the data well and explained 74% of the variance of Internet addiction. Specifically, there are both direct and indirect relationships between Internet addiction, psychopathology, and situational cues; therefore, maladaptive cognitio ns are part of the mediator. The current study providing researchers with a deeper understanding of Davis’ cognitive-behavioral model of pathological Internet use contributes to understanding the Internet addiction among adolescents.
Source: Journal of Rational-Emotive and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research