The Development of a Short Version of the Internet Addiction Test: The IAT-7

Abstract

Using a valid and reliable scale to measure problems associated with excessive internet use is a key element of research on internet addiction (IA). The main goal of the current study was to develop a brief version of the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the most widely used measure for assessing IA. In Study 1 (N = 463), we combined strict analytic techniques for item reduction with an evaluation of item content, and we compared several CFA and ESEM Models. In Study 2 (N = 374), we applied a Latent Variable Model (LMV) to examine the associations between our proposed short scale and some related variables. Our findings suggested a 7-item version (named IAT-7), with an ESEM structure and two domain-specific factors (F1: Interpersonal, Emotional and Obsessive Conflict; F2: Online Time Management). The IAT-7 showed excellent fit-indices [χ2 = 13.373; df = 8; CFI = .994; TLI = .983; RMSEA = .030 (.000–.073); SRMR = .016; AIC = 9,276.944; BIC = 9,388.662; aBIC = 9,302.971] and an adequate level of internal consistency (alpha and omega > .752). Interpersonal, Emotional and Obsessive Conflict mainly predicted loneliness and depression, whereas Online Time Management was primarily associated with stress, followed by depression. The IAT-7 shows promising psychometric properties and could be used as a screening tool for evaluating IA. Its small number of items makes it more attractive when a large battery of assessment scales is used.

Portuguese Validation of a Reduced Version of the IAT (Internet Addiction Test) Scale—Youth Version

“…The obtained adjustment indices are all adequate [42]. Comparing the CFA results obtained in this study with those of the study carried out by [27], it can be seen that the adjustment indices obtained in this study are better. It should be noted that the sample size in [27] was much smaller than the sample in this study (n = 463), and the average age of the participants was also higher.…”

“…All items show good sensitivity, which indicates that they can discriminate subjects. The Cronbach's alpha value obtained in this study is higher than that of [27], indicating better internal consistency.…”

“…Some of the countries who have translated, adapted, or used this instrument are listed in Table 3. Adults Germany [25] University students Spain [26] University students Italy [27] Individuals over 18 years old Greece [28] Teenage students Turkey [29] University students Croatia [30] Students (15-20 years) China [31] High school students South Korea [32] Students aged 15 and over Thailand [33] University students (medicine) Indonesia [34] Teenagers Japan [35] University students United States [36] Young adults (21-28 years) Lebanon [37] University medical students China [38] School children Spain Women with eating disorders Malaysia University students Therefore, the existence of an instrument to screen for internet addiction has become increasingly relevant in clinical practice so as to prevent online risk behaviors and the impact of internet use on mental health.…”

Lonileness, Internet Addiction, and Mental Health Among Adolescents: A Mediation Model

“…IAT-7: The IAT-7 developed by Valenti et al (2023). It is a 7-item version with an ESEM structure and two domain-specific factors (F1: Interpersonal, Emotional and Obsessive Conflict; F2: Online Time Management).…”