Measurement of the problematic usage of the Internet unidimensional quasitrait continuum with item response theory.

ABSTRACT: Problematic usage of the internet (PUI) describes maladaptive use of online resources and is recognized as a growing worldwide issue. Here, we refined the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) for use as a screening tool to measure generalized internet use problems in normative samples. Analysis of response data with parametric unidimensional item response theory identified 10 items of the IAT that measured most of the PUI latent trait continuum with high precision in a subsample of 816 participants with meaningful variance in internet use problems. Selected items may characterize minor, or early stages of, PUI by measuring a preoccupation with the Internet, motivations to use online activities to escape aversive emotional experiences and regulate mood, as well as secrecy, defensiveness, and inter

SUBMITTER: Tiego J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8215856 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature