Differences of Psychosocial Vulnerability Factors between Internet and Smartphone Addiction Groups Consisting of Children and Adolescents in a Small to Medium-Sized City

Abstract

Objectives:The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between internet addiction, smartphone addiction, and psychosocial factors. This study was designed to examine the vulnerability factors for internet and smartphone addiction.Methods: The participants were 1041 children and adolescents in a small and medium-sized cities. All of the participants were evaluated in terms of their demographic characteristics and present use of the internet and smartphone, as well as using internet and smartphone addiction and other psychological scales. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the psychosocial factors between the high risk, potential risk, and general user groups of internet and smartphone addiction.Results: The participants were classified into three groups, the high risk (N=33), potential risk (N=203), and general user (N=805) groups with regard to their internet and smartphone addiction level. There were statistical significantly differences between the groups in terms of the economic status of the family, academic performance, parents, use of internet and smartphone, loneliness, family cohesion, family adaptability, perceived social support, and peer relationship.Conclusion: These results suggest that the internet and smartphone addiction of children and adolescents is related to various psychosocial vulnerability factors.

A Preliminary Study on the Effectiveness of the Peer Relationship Enhancement Program in Adolescents at Risk for Internet and Smartphone Addiction

“…There was no statistically significant difference in the selfescape, friendship satisfaction, or personal relationship difficulty scale before and after the program. This is inconsistent with results from Jun et al 10) This may be due to the fact that the Peer Relationship Enhancement Program that was conducted in this study did not fully reflect the relevant domains, thereby resulting in insignificant effects. Previous studies emphasize the need for treatment intervention through a psychosocial approach, particularly the importance of developing psychosocial approach programs for adolescents.…”

“…To verify the effects of the Peer Relationship Enhancement Program, created by the researcher based on the study by Jun et al, 10) this study compared 33 students who were at risk of Internet and smartphone addiction before and after their participation in the program. This study assessed participants through an adolescent Internet and smartphone addiction self-diagnosis scale, ideal-reality self-discrepancy scale, personal relationship loneliness scale, friendship intimacy scale, and self-escape scale.…”

“…The researcher created the Peer Relationship Enhancement Program based on the study by Jun et al, 10) with the purpose being to provide opportunities to develop communica-tion skills, the ability to control emotions, and social adjustment skills by having students learn and practice useful social skills within and outside the group (Appendix).…”

“…5,6) In addition, depression, anxiety, temperament, hyperactivity/impulsiveness, low family cohesion and adaptability, and dysfunctional communication within the family were reported to be factors that impact Internet addiction. [7][8][9] Jun et al 10) assessed vulnerability factors in terms of family function and personal relations by researching risk factors related to Internet and smartphone addiction for 1041 middle school students, high school students, and special minority groups (community child centers, child welfare institutions, sunflower centers, shelters, multicultural centers, and hospital clinical groups). From the family function perspective, Internet and smartphone addiction vulnerability factors included the relationship with parents, as well as family adaptability and cohesion.…”

“…Therefore, it is necessary to develop programs that help prevent Internet and smartphone addiction in order to keep adolescents from experiencing difficulties in their daily lives due to these issues. 14) Hence, this study attempts to verify the effects of the Peer Relationship Enhancement Program, developed based on the study by Jun et al, 10) on adolescents at risk of Internet and smartphone addiction.…”