The relationship between Internet addiction, psychological distress, and coping strategies in a sample of Saudi undergraduate students (2019)

Perspect Psychiatr Care. 2019 Sep 30. doi: 10.1111/ppc.12439.

Hasan AA1, Abu Jaber A1.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Internet addiction (IA), psychological distress, and coping strategies.

METHODS:

Data were collected using a convenience sample of 163 student nurses.

FINDINGS:

The results showed that there was high prevalence rate of IA among students. In addition, the use of avoidance and problem-solving coping mechanism was statistically significant among the IA group compared with the non-IA group (P < .05). This was associated with a more negative impact on psychological distress and self-efficacy (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS:

IA is an increasing problem in the general population and among university students. It can affect many aspects of a student life.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS:

The results will raise awareness of the deleterious effects of IA on a wide range of student life.

KEYWORDS: coping mechanism; cross-sectional; education; perceived stress; students; university

PMID: 31571247

DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12439