Howarth, Wendy (2012) When does social Internet use become problematic? An examination of the diagnostic criteria as measured by Young's Diagnostic Questionnaire (YDQ). Coursework Masters thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
Over the past decade there has been a significant increase in the use of the Internet but despite the increased accessibility and benefits of this technology, preliminary studies have identified that some Internet users were engaging in problematic levels of use. However, consensus as to the exact definition of problematic Internet use still encourages much debate. At present, there is limited empirical evidence to support standardised, valid measurement instruments to assess this behaviour, specifically cutoff points. Limited research has indicated that the proposed diagnostic criteria by Young (1996) do not provide sufficient discrimination between those who meet the criteria for problematic Internet use and those who have at-risk Internet use. Few studies have investigated the characteristics of both at-risk and problematic Internet users with findings suggesting similarities on psychopathology and participation habits. This study examined the prevalence of atrisk Internet users and assessed the characteristics of this group including participation habits, psychopathology and self-awareness. Additionally, the concurrent validity of the Young’s Diagnostic Questionnaire (YDQ) was assessed. Two hundred and forty-four students recruited from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) completed an online battery of questionnaires assessing Internet use, mood and self-esteem. Results showed a higher rate of prevalence of at-risk and problematic Internet use than expected. Further, increased levels of depression, anxiety and stress were found in both at-risk and problematic Internet users. There were no differences found between the groups based on the amount of time on the Internet or self-esteem. Those in the at-risk and problematic group reported higher than expected levels of self-awareness of their problematic use. Good concurrent validity was established between the three Internet use measures. Overall, support for the argument that the current YDQ cutoff score of 5 may not distinguish problematic from non-problematic Internet users has been demonstrated and those scoring either 3 or 4 may also require assistance. Assessment and management of problematic Internet use should incorporate measures to identify those individuals who have at-risk use, so that these individuals can be provided early intervention.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Coursework Masters) |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Sciences - Department of Psychology (Up to 30 Jun 2013) |
| Supervisors: | Andrea Quinn |
| Qualification: | Master of Psychology (Clinical) |
| Date Deposited: | 01 Oct 2025 23:47 |
| Last Modified: | 01 Oct 2025 23:47 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | problematic social internet use ; at-risk internet use ; participation ; self-awareness ; psychopathology ; YDQ ; Young's Diagnostic Questionnaire |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1799 Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 179999 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5299 Other psychology > 529999 Other psychology not elsewhere classified |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52428 |
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