Kornelius Winds , Belinda Plattner , Bernhard Salcher , Patrick Benjamin Langthaler , Gabriele Kohlböck , Martin Fuchs , Pauline Schaffer , Lucas Johannes Rainer
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
Internet use, specifically problematic use of the internet (PUI), needs to be considered in child and adolescent psychiatric (CAP) settings. Besides psychological symptomatology, childhood trauma (intrafamilial abuse and neglect) has been associated with PUI. The impact of various adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on PUI, particularly in CAP populations, is understudied.
Objective
This study aimed to investigate associations between PUI and various ACEs in a CAP population, considering gender differences and psychological symptomatology.
Methods and materials
104 adolescents (69 girls) were included, aged 14–17 years, undergoing inpatient CAP treatment, between August 2018 and March 2020. Participants completed the Interview for the Assessment of Internet and Computer Game Addiction (AICA), the Youth Self-Report (YSR), and the Multidimensional Clinical Screening Inventory (MCSI). Statistical analyses examined associations between PUI and ACEs, after controlling for age, gender, and psychological symptomatology.
Results
Extrafamilial emotional abuse was significantly associated with higher AICA scores and likelihood of PUI. Extrafamilial separation and loss was associated with a significant decrease in the internet use and to the likelihood of PUI. Suicide of a mother significantly increased the odds of moderate to severe PUI. School absenteeism and alcohol abuse were associated with higher AICA scores irrespective of age and gender, though these associations diminished when controlling for psychological symptomatology.
Conclusions
Extrafamilial emotional abuse, particularly social receptive environments and relationships, play a significant role in developing PUI among CAP populations. The complex interplay of emotional trauma, family dynamics, peer relationships and individual behaviors regarding PUI should be addressed in CAP interventions.
期刊介绍:
"Comprehensive Psychiatry" is an open access, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the field of psychiatry and mental health. Its primary mission is to share the latest advancements in knowledge to enhance patient care and deepen the understanding of mental illnesses. The journal is supported by a diverse team of international editors and peer reviewers, ensuring the publication of high-quality research with a strong focus on clinical relevance and the implications for psychopathology.
"Comprehensive Psychiatry" encourages authors to present their research in an accessible manner, facilitating engagement with clinicians, policymakers, and the broader public. By embracing an open access policy, the journal aims to maximize the global impact of its content, making it readily available to a wide audience and fostering scientific collaboration and public awareness beyond the traditional academic community. This approach is designed to promote a more inclusive and informed dialogue on mental health, contributing to the overall progress in the field.