Health-Related Internet Use and Cyberchondria in Adolescents: Population-Based Cross-Sectional Survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Health-related internet searches are widespread among the general population. Cyberchondria, that is, excessive health-related internet research that leads to emotional stress, showed significant associations with personality traits and psychological symptoms in adult samples. Although adolescents exhibit high levels of internet use, strong interest in health topics, and heightened vulnerability to anxiety symptoms and anxiety disorders, little research has examined cyberchondria in this age group.

Objective

Based on findings from adult populations, this study is among the first to investigate cyberchondria in adolescents and its associations with psychological traits (intolerance of uncertainty and health anxiety) and symptoms (problematic internet use and compul

SUBMITTER: Jungmann SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12669920 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature