TY - JOUR PY - 2014// TI - Pathological Internet use among European adolescents: psychopathology and self-destructive behaviours JO - European child and adolescent psychiatry A1 - Kaess, Michael A1 - Durkee, Tony A1 - Brunner, Romuald A1 - Carli, Vladimir A1 - Parzer, Peter A1 - Wasserman, Camilla A1 - Sarchiapone, Marco A1 - Hoven, Christina A1 - Apter, Alan A1 - Balazs, Judit A1 - Balint, Maria A1 - Bobes, Julio A1 - Cohen, Renaud A1 - Cosman, Doina A1 - Cotter, Pádraig A1 - Fischer, Gloria A1 - Floderus, Birgitta A1 - Iosue, Miriam A1 - Haring, Christian A1 - Kahn, Jean-Pierre A1 - Musa, George J. A1 - Nemes, Bogdan A1 - Postuvan, Vita A1 - Resch, Franz A1 - Saiz, Pilar A. A1 - Sisask, Merike A1 - Snir, Avigal A1 - Värnik, Airi A1 - Ziberna, Janina A1 - Wasserman, Danuta SP - 1093 EP - 1102 VL - 23 IS - 11 N2 - Rising global rates of pathological Internet use (PIU) and related psychological impairments have gained considerable attention in recent years. In an effort to acquire evidence-based knowledge of this relationship, the main objective of this study was to investigate the association between PIU, psychopathology and self-destructive behaviours among school-based adolescents in eleven European countries. This cross-sectional study was implemented within the framework of the European Union project: Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe. A representative sample of 11,356 school-based adolescents (M/F: 4,856/6,500; mean age: 14.9) was included in the analyses. PIU was assessed using the Young's Diagnostic Questionnaire. Psychopathology was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory-II, Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Self-destructive behaviours were evaluated by the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory and Paykel Suicide Scale.

RESULTS showed that suicidal behaviours (suicidal ideation and suicide attempts), depression, anxiety, conduct problems and hyperactivity/inattention were significant and independent predictors of PIU. The correlation between PIU, conduct problems and hyperactivity/inattention was stronger among females, while the link between PIU and symptoms of depression, anxiety and peer relationship problems was stronger among males. The association between PIU, psychopathology and self-destructive behaviours was stronger in countries with a higher prevalence of PIU and suicide rates. These findings ascertain that psychopathology and suicidal behaviours are strongly related to PIU. This association is significantly influenced by gender and country suggesting socio-cultural influences. At the clinical and public health levels, targeting PIU among adolescents in the early stages could potentially lead to improvements of psychological well-being and a reduction of suicidal behaviours.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 1018-8827 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00787-014-0562-7 ID - ref1 ER -