Abstract

BłACHNIO, Agata et al. The role of self-esteem in Internet addiction: a comparison between Turkish, Polish and Ukrainian samples. Eur. J. Psychiat. [online]. 2016, vol.30, n.2, pp.149-155. ISSN 0213-6163.

Background and Objectives: Internet use, which has become extremely important and essential in everyday life, often leads to problematic use. The main aim of our study was to answer the question of whether self-esteem is a predictor of Internet addiction. Methods: The participants were 1,011 people from three countries: Turkey (N = 320), Poland (N = 350), and Ukraine (N = 341). Young's Internet Addiction Test and Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale were used. Results: Results provide evidence that self-esteem is a predictor of Internet addiction and that this pattern is found across cultures. Conclusions: People who approach themselves with heavy self-criticism and evaluate themselves as unworthy are more prone to Internet addiction. More research is also needed to provide a better understanding of the Internet addiction phenomenon and its relation to self-esteem, personality, and culture.

Keywords : Internet addiction; Self-esteem; Cultures.

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