Social Prescribing

Authors: Weinstein, D. A., Dorani, D., Elhadif, R., Bukovza, Y., & Yarmulnik, A.

Abstract

Background: Problematic Internet use (PIU) or excessive Internet use is characterised by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges, or behaviours regarding computer use, and Internet access that leads to impairment or distress. Cross-sectional studies on samples of patients reported high comorbidity of Internet addiction with psychiatric disorders, especially affective disorders (including depression), anxiety disorders (generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Methods: We investigated the association between Internet addiction and social anxiety in two samples of 120 university students (60 males and 60 females in each sample).

Results: We found a correlation between Internet addiction and social anxiety in the two samples (r = .411, P < .001; r = 0.342, P < .01) respectively. Secondly, we found no difference between males and females in the level of Internet addiction. Finally, we did not find a preference for social networks among participants with high levels of social anxiety.

Conclusions: The results of the study support previous evidence for the co-occurrence of Internet addiction and social anxiety, but further studies need to clarify this association.

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Updated on October 16, 2024

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