Psychometric Properties of the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire Short-Form (PIUQ-SF-6) in a Nationally Representative Sample of Adolescents

Abstract

Despite the large number of measurement tools developed to assess problematic Internet use, numerous studies use measures with only modest investigation into their psychometric properties. The goal of the present study was to validate the short (6-item) version of the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ) on a nationally representative adolescent sample (n = 5,005; mean age 16.4 years, SD = 0.87) and to determine a statistically established cut-off value. Data were collected within the framework of the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs project. Results showed an acceptable fit of the original three-factor structure to the data. In addition, a MIMIC model was carried out to justify the need for three distinct factors. The sample was divided into users at-risk of problematic Internet use and those with no-risk using a latent profile analysis. Two latent classes were obtained with 14.4% of adolescents belonging to the at-risk group. Concurrent and convergent validity were tested by comparing the two groups across a number of variables (i.e., time spent online, academic achievement, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and preferred online activities). Using the at-risk latent profile analysis class as the gold standard, a cut-off value of 15 (out of 30) was suggested based on sensitivity and specificity analyses. In conclusion, the brief version of the (6-item) PIUQ also appears to be an appropriate measure to differentiate between Internet users at risk of developing problematic Internet use and those not at risk. Furthermore, due to its brevity, the shortened PIUQ is advantageous to utilize within large-scale surveys assessing many different behaviors and/or constructs by reducing the overall number of survey questions, and as a consequence, likely increasing completion rates.

The psychological and genetic factors of the addictive behaviors (PGA) study

“…In addition to the original 18‐item scale, a short version has also been developed (Koronczai et al, ), which assesses the same characteristics with nine items. There is also a six‐item version of the PIUQ with a recommendation for a cutoff score for problematic use (Demetrovics et al, ). Based on this recent sensitivity and specificity analyses, it was recommended that a summarized score of 15 (out of 30) would be a good cutoff threshold dividing users at risk of problematic internet use and those with no risk.…”

Problematic internet use questionairre-short form-6 (PIUQ-SF 6): a validity and reliability study in Turkey

“…2 Problematic internet use or internet addiction has become a widespread area of research since its first day. 3 Problematic internet use is a multidimensional syndrome that occurs from cognitive and behavioral symptoms that lead to negative results in social, emotional, physical development areas as well as professional and financial areas. [4][5][6][7][8][9] Department of Public Health, Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Eskişehir, Turkey A number of recent research has focused on the development of measurement tools for assessing the problem.…”

“…[4][5][6][7][8][9] Department of Public Health, Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Eskişehir, Turkey A number of recent research has focused on the development of measurement tools for assessing the problem. 3 Koronczai and colleagues, as a result of their research stated that, there should be six basic characteristics on the scale to assess the level of problematic internet use. These features; sophistication (handling all aspects of problematic internet usage), as short as possible (in terms of being able to be used in crowded groups and in time-sensitive research), different research methods (valid and reliable for online, selfadministered or face-to-face) to different age groups (adolescents, adults), it is a cut-off score that is appropriate for different cultural societies and can be combined with clinical examination.…”

“…The problematic ınternet use questionairre-short form-6 (PIUQ-SF 6), which is one of these, assesses three basic directions of problematic use: obsession, neglect, and control disorder. 3 According to previous large international researches to measure the problematic internet usage level, it is reported that the brief scales with less number of questions are more appropriate in terms of the effect of survey fatigue and research results. 3 The long form of PIUQ-SF 6 which contains 18-items was developed in 2008 and the short form PIUQ-SF 6 was developed in 2016.…”

“…3 According to previous large international researches to measure the problematic internet usage level, it is reported that the brief scales with less number of questions are more appropriate in terms of the effect of survey fatigue and research results. 3 The long form of PIUQ-SF 6 which contains 18-items was developed in 2008 and the short form PIUQ-SF 6 was developed in 2016. 3,11 As the Internet rapidly spread around the world and in Turkey.…”