Index of problematic online experiences: item characteristics and correlation with negative symptomatology.
This exploratory study aimed to develop and test a quick, easily administered instrument, the Index of Problematic Online Experiences (I-POE). The goal of the I-POE extends beyond assessing for Internet overuse to broadly assess problematic Internet use across several domains and activities. Data was collected from 563 college students from a Northern New England university using an online survey methodology. Results indicated the I-POE has adequate construct validity and is highly correlated with a variety of relevant constructs: depression, anger/irritability, tension-reduction behavior, sexual concerns, and dysfunctional sexual behavior as measured by the Trauma Symptom Inventory; as well as amount of Internet use and permissive attitudes toward engaging in a variety of sexual activities. Early flagging of online experiences could mitigate the negative effects associated with problematic use. The I-POE, as an easy-to-administer, short screening index, holds promise in this regard. Initial testing of the instrument points to its utility in identifying persons who are experiencing a broad range of Internet-related problems.
Mitchell
Kimberly J
KJ
Crimes against Children Research Center, Family Research Lab, University of New Hampshire, 10 West Edge Drive, Durham, NH 03824, USA. Kimberly.Mitchell@unh.edu
Sabina
Chiara
C
Finkelhor
David
D
Wells
Melissa
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D012919:Social Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult