Relationship Between Adolescent Health Anxiety and Health-Related Internet Use: 3-Wave Longitudinal Survey Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Health anxiety among adolescents is understudied yet concerning. Health-related internet use (HRIU) is a common coping strategy, but disconcerting content may heighten, rather than mitigate, the health anxiety. While research has been conducted, within-person evidence for long-term fluctuations is lacking. Furthermore, adolescents with different base-level (initial) health anxiety may react differently to health-related content, making the effect dependent on health anxiety level compared to others.

Objective

This study focused on the longitudinal relationship between HRIU and health anxiety on the within-person level in adolescents. We also considered their initial health anxiety, comparing adolescents with low, medium, and high base-level health anxiety.

Meth

SUBMITTER: Svestkova A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12569483 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature