Impulsivity, Social Support and Depression Are Associated With Latent Profiles of Internet Addiction Among Male College Freshmen

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• Rising rates of internet addiction among college students, particularly first-year students.
• Psychological characteristics are significant factors in the development of internet addiction.
• Need to understand specific risk factors in vulnerable student populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the relationship between impulsivity, social support, depression, and internet addiction.
• To identify at-risk profiles for internet addiction among male college freshmen.
• To determine if psychological variables predict latent internet addiction classes.

Main Methods:

• Latent profile analysis (LPA) applied to Internet Addiction Test ratings.
• Sample: 734 male college freshmen.
• Comparison of impulsivity, social support, and depression levels across identified profiles.

Main Results:

• Three distinct internet addiction profiles identified: low (42.10%), moderate (35.70%), and high (22.20%).
• Impulsivity and depression positively correlated with internet addiction severity.
• Social support showed an inverse relationship with internet addiction severity.

Conclusions:

• Impulsivity, social support, and depression are significant predictors of internet addiction in male college freshmen.
• High impulsivity, low social support, and high depression characterize the high internet addiction group.
• Findings inform college educators and counselors in developing targeted internet addiction interventions.