Problematic Internet Use: Measurement and Structural Invariance Across Sex and Academic Year Cohorts.

ABSTRACT: The extensive use of digital media among adolescents has raised concerns about its impact on emotional development and mental health. Understanding the psychological factors behind problematic digital media use is essential for effective prevention. This study examined whether the relationships between emotion regulation (negative and positive), compulsive use, cognitive preoccupation, and negative outcomes linked to digital media are consistent across sex and academic year. We used a cross-sectional design with 2357 adolescents (12-16 years old) from Compulsory Secondary Education. Participants completed validated self-report questionnaires assessing problematic digital media use, and associated consequences in four domains: internet, video games, social networking, and messaging. Four st

SUBMITTER: Perez-Wiesner M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12385649 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature