Internet Addiction, Perceived Stress and Emotional Regulation

Abstract

This study looked into the connections between young individuals’ emotional regulation, perceived stress, and internet addiction (IA). A sample of 151 participants aged 18-25 completed self-report questionnaires. The majority (54%) displayed mild internet addiction, with a slight male majority and a mix of educational backgrounds (high school completion and postgraduate studies). Interestingly, only 43% reported using the Internet primarily for work. Descriptive statistics showed moderate perceived stress and mild IA levels within the sample. Statistical analyses revealed significant gender differences in IA scores, with males exhibiting higher internet addiction than females. However, no significant relationships were found between IA, perceived stress, age, or the emotional regulation strategies of cognitive reappraisal and emotional suppression.  Our hypotheses predicted higher IA in males (H1 – supported), lower perceived stress with higher IA (H2 – not supported), and lower emotional regulation with higher IA (H3 – partially supported). The findings suggest a need for further research to explore these relationships in more detail. Implications and future suggestions for research have been discussed.