A factor analytic approach was used to explore possible constructs underlying so-called computer/Internet addiction. A 94-item survey was developed, from which two major and two minor factors were derived. Factor 1 focused on problematic computer-related behaviors in heavy users of the Internet, whereas Factor 2 focused on the usefulness and general purpose nature of computers and the Internet. Factor 3 isolated a combination of use of the Internet for sexual gratification and shyness/introversion, and Factor 4 focused on an absence of problems related to Internet use that were coupled with a mild aversion or a disinterest in this technology. These data support the notion that some individuals have a mixture of obsessive-like characteristics related specifically to their computer/Internet use but that, not surprisingly, they also exhibit a preference for on-line, rather than in-person, interactions.
The ever-changing nature of the Internet continues to fuel questions as to its benefits and possible drawbacks. One issue that is particularly problematic is the validity of claims that the Internet is addictive. The present study used a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on a data set of 527 participants using the same survey developed by Pratarelli et al. (1) We propose a theoretical model of the relationship between (1) Internet addiction, (2) a sexual factor, and (3) an Internet use factor. These three factors were tested using two structural equation models generated on LISREL. The CFA revealed that the three factors are not orthogonal to each other, but instead are related to some degree as one would expect if a supposed Internet addicted individual exhibited behaviors related to each factor. We next tested whether the addiction was the causal factor leaving the sex and User factors as endogenous (i.e., resulting from the addiction). The second structural equation tested the contrasting possibility that sex and User related activities were exogenous to the addiction factor (i.e., the addiction resulted from these two activities). The analysis revealed that model 1, where the addiction is the causal factor behind the sex and User factors, had a stronger model fit index. On the basis of these current data it appears that Internet addiction may involve an addictive performance profile which in turn leads to excessive behaviors that involve (1) use of the Internet for sexual purposes and (2) its functional usefulness for a variety of professional and personal goals.
This study examined whether attitudes toward homosexuals were affected by educational material containing information about the biological determinants of sexual orientation. This study utilized a normed two-alternative inventory on which participants were asked to rate matched items on a 5-point scale. In the first session participants completed one version involving interactions with homosexual individuals. One week later, participants, randomly assigned to one of three groups, filled out the matched alternative form after reading a summary that presented either a biological or environmental basis for homosexuality or an unrelated article. Analysis confirmed previous research that the 40 men had more negative attitudes toward homosexuals than the 40 women but that different types of explanations for homosexuality had no over-all influence on attitudes. More importantly, an item analysis extended our previous understanding of sex differences in that physical proximity to the homosexual individual was the strongest factor associated with attitude change.
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