A Review and Meta-Analysis Examining Conceptual and Operational Definitions of Problematic Internet Use

Robert S. Tokunaga; Stephen A Rains

doi:10.1111/hcre.12075

A Review and Meta-Analysis Examining Conceptual and Operational Definitions of Problematic Internet Use

Robert S. Tokunaga, Stephen A Rains

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

44 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examined different conceptual and operational definitions of problematic Internet use (PIU). 3 perspectives of PIU are described along with a meta-analytic review (K = 112) conducted to explore the implications stemming from how PIU is measured. The results offer evidence to support the construct validity of measures developed from the impulse control disorder and relationship resource deficits traditions but raise questions about substance dependence measures of PIU. Additionally, there were small but noteworthy differences in the associations between PIU and key antecedents and outcomes that could be attributed to PIU measurement tradition. Suggestions for developing a more robust body of scholarship on PIU are offered.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	165-199
Number of pages	35
Journal	Human Communication Research
Volume	42
Issue number	2
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1111/hcre.12075
State	Published - Apr 1 2016

Keywords

Depression
Impulse control disorder
Loneliness
Meta-Analysis
Problematic Internet Use
Relational resource deficits
Substance dependence
Time Online

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Communication
Developmental and Educational Psychology
Anthropology
Linguistics and Language

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10.1111/hcre.12075

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abstract = "This study examined different conceptual and operational definitions of problematic Internet use (PIU). 3 perspectives of PIU are described along with a meta-analytic review (K = 112) conducted to explore the implications stemming from how PIU is measured. The results offer evidence to support the construct validity of measures developed from the impulse control disorder and relationship resource deficits traditions but raise questions about substance dependence measures of PIU. Additionally, there were small but noteworthy differences in the associations between PIU and key antecedents and outcomes that could be attributed to PIU measurement tradition. Suggestions for developing a more robust body of scholarship on PIU are offered.",

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A Review and Meta-Analysis Examining Conceptual and Operational Definitions of Problematic Internet Use

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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