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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Background and aims: Research into Internet addiction (IA) has increased greatly over the last decade. Despite its
various definitions and general lack of consensus regarding its conceptualisation amongst researchers, instruments
for measuring this phenomenon have proliferated in a number of countries. There has been little research on IA in
Portugal and this may be partly due to the absence of standardised measurement tools for assessing IA. Methods:
This study attempted to address this issue by adapting a Portuguese version of the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) via a
translation-back translation process and Confirmatory Factor Analysis in a sample of 593 Portuguese students that
completed a Portuguese version of the IAT along with questions related to socio-demographic variables. Results:
The findings suggested that the IAT appears to be a valid and reliable instrument for measuring IA among Portuguese
young adults as demonstrated by its satisfactory psychometric properties. However, the present findings also suggest
the need to reword and update some of the IAT’s items. Prevalence of IA found in the sample was 1.2% and is discussed
alongside findings relating to socio-demographic correlates. Limitations and implications of the present study
are also discussed. Conclusions: The present study calls for a reflection of the IAT while also contributing to a better
understanding of the basic aspects of IA in the Portuguese community since many health practitioners are starting to
realise that Internet use may pose a risk for some individuals.
Description
Keywords
Internet addiction Online addiction Internet addiction test Portuguese samples Student populations
Citation
Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 3, 107-114
Publisher
Akadémiai Kiadó