Date of Award

Fall 12-1-2004

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Communication Disorders and Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology

First Advisor

Reece Chaney

Second Advisor

Peggy Hines

Third Advisor

Joseph Biggs

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the variables of degree of selfesteem, level of social anxiety, level of education, age, and gender can predict whether or not individuals meet criteria for Pathological Internet Use (PIU). The Diagnostic Questionnaire was used to ascertain the degree of pathology in each participant's Internet use. Participants also completed a 25-item Social Anxiety Inventory, a 30-item SelfEsteem Inventory, and several demographic items. The sample consisted of399 individuals, 31 of whom met criteria for PIU (leaving 368 Non-PIUs). A discriminant analysis was used to analyze the data to determine whether PIUs and Non-PIUs could be differentiated by the above mentioned variables. Significant differences existed between PIUs and Non-PIUs in degree of selfesteem, level of social anxiety, and level of education. Participants with lower self-esteem, higher social anxiety, and a lower level of education were more likely to meet criteria for PIU. Of the five variables used in the discriminant analysis, self-esteem and social anxiety had the greatest power to discriminate among PIUs and Non-Pills. The discriminant equation as a whole was significantly powerful enough to predict membership in the PIU versus Non-PIU groups. Implications and recommendations for mental health clinicians are addressed.

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