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Loneliness and pathological internet use among a sample of Singapore adolescents: social anxiety as a mediator
Author
Lee, Rina Yin Ling
Supervisor
Chye, Stephanie Yen Leng
Huan, Vivien Swee Leng
Abstract
The accelerated growth of the internet has accrued concerns on pathological internet usage. While past studies have indicated loneliness to have an association with patterns of internet use, there appears to be a scarcity of research assessing potential mediators of the relationship between loneliness and pathological internet use. This study attempted to investigate the link between loneliness, social anxiety and generalized pathological internet use among 681 adolescents from a Secondary School in Singapore. The students were aged between 13 to 18 years with a mean age of 14.6 years. Results using multiple regression indicated that loneliness was foremost a significant predictor of generalized pathological internet use. The direct influence of loneliness on generalized pathological internet use was subsequently diminished significantly with the inclusion of social anxiety as a mediator. Alternatively, the Sobel method further revealed a significant indirect effect of loneliness on generalized pathological internet use via the social anxiety pathway. Findings for this study would contribute to existing research on internet, especially in the Singapore context. Practical implications and suggestions to interventions in the school setting are aimed towards targeting the psycho-social needs of adolescents in order to address pathological internet use.
Date Issued
2012
Call Number
RC569.5.I54 Lee
Date Submitted
2012