중학생의 인터넷 중독 및 인터넷 보상경험에 영향을 주는 심리·환경적 요인

초록

The purpose of this study was to examine various social and psychological factors that play a role in problematic internet use among adolescents. Subjects of the study were 676 middle school students (322 males and 354 females). Participants were administered a questionnaire with a total of 161-item set designed to assess emotions, hopelessness, stress and stress respond style, self-control, perceived parents attitudes regarding children`s internet use, perception of risks of internet addition, and reinforcement experience of internet use. According to the score of Young`s twenty-item questionnaires, the subjects were clarified as normal, slightly-addicted and severely-addicted. Comparing means (ANOVA) and correlation analysis were conducted to identify the differences among three groups in variables and to assess the relationships between variables. Multiple regression was also conducted to identify the variables that predict internet addiction and reinforcement experience of internet use. The research results found that 1) internet addition among adolescents was associated with depression, anxiety, and hopelessness for the future, 2) the adolescents who scored high on the internet addiction scale perceived more stress in their present life and used less effective means to manage such stress, 3) the reinforcement experience of internet use was the most significant factor in predicting internet addiction, and 4) problematic internet use was also significantly associated with adolescents` perception of the possible risk of internet addiction and parental attitudes.