Daily and Compulsive Internet Use and Well-Being in Adolescence: A Diathesis-Stress Model Based on Big Five Personality Traits

Niels van der Aa, Geertjan Overbeek, Rutger C. M. E. Engels, Ron H. J. Scholte, Gert-Jan Meerkerk, Regina J. J. M. Van den Eijnden

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    This study examined the associations between adolescents' daily Internet use and low well-being (i.e., loneliness, low self-esteem, and depressive moods). We hypothesized that (a) linkages between high levels of daily Internet use and low well-being would be mediated by compulsive Internet use (CIU), and (b) that adolescents with low levels of agreeableness and emotional stability, and high levels of introversion would be more likely to develop CIU and lower well-being. Data were used from a sample of 7888 Dutch adolescents (11-21 years). Results from structural equation modeling analyses showed that daily Internet use was indirectly related to low well-being through CIU. In addition, daily Internet use was found to be more strongly related to CIU in introverted, low-agreeable, and emotionally less-stable adolescents. In turn, again, CIU was more strongly linked to loneliness in introverted, emotionally less-stable, and less agreeable adolescents.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)765-776
    Number of pages12
    JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence
    Volume38
    Issue number6
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jul 2009

    Keywords

    • Adolescence
    • Internet use
    • Personality
    • Well-being

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