Patterns of internet use and mental health of high school students in Istria County Croatia: cross-sectional study
Study details
| Year: | 2013 |
| Scope: | Local |
| Countries: | Croatia |
| Methodology: | Empirical research – Quantitative |
| Methods of data collection: | Other |
| Other Methodology: | Cross-sectional survey as part of a pseudo-longitudinal monitoring study |
| Researched Groups: | Children |
| Children Ages: | Adolescents (14-18 Years old) |
| Funder: | Department of Health and Social Welfare of Istria County, Croatia |
| Funder Types: | Regional Government |
| Has Formal Ethical Clearance: | Yes |
| Consents: | Other |
| Informed Consent: | Consent obtained |
| Ethics: | Ethical considerations and/or protocol mentioned in the research design |
| Data Set Availability: | Not mentioned |
Goals
"The aim of this research was to examine associations between different forms of internet use and a number of psychological variables related to mental health in adolescents." Bezinović et al, 2015, 297
Authors hypothesised that "problematic internet use is associated with externalized symptoms and other negative indicators of mental health. Exposure to victimizing and disturbing content on the internet is associated with internalized symptoms and negative indicators of mental health. Prosocial internet use (aimed at connecting with peers and entertainment) and internet use for school purposes are associated with positive aspects of mental health. Problematic internet use is present more often in young men, while exposure to disturbing content on the internet is more frequently experienced by young women." Bezinović et al, 2015, 298