Effect of Family Communication Patterns on Internet Addiction

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the role of family communication patterns, including consensual, pluralistic, protective and laissez-faire, on Internet addiction. Methods: A total of 230 Jahrom Medical University students (120 females and 110 males) answered the questionnaires of the study. The samples were selected based on the random cluster sampling method. In this research, we used Young's Internet Addiction scale and Family Communication Patterns scale. We used two-ways ANOVA for analyzing the effect of communication patterns on Internet addiction, considering gender as a moderator. Results: Our findings indicated that among the four types of family communication, there are significant differences in individuals' scores in Internet addiction: F(3,190)=10.16, P<0.000). Also, Internet addiction in consensual and laissez-faire patterns was higher in males than in females. Conclusion: According to the results of the study, children with laissez-faire familial patterns have the highest levels of using Internet and the pluralistic family has the lowest scores of Internet use.