Intrapersonal and family predictors of internet addiction in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

This research examined the influence of intrapersonal and family factors on Internet Addiction (IA) among adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A prospective evaluation was performed in two waves on a total of 250 adolescents in this longitudinal study, with a four-month interval. Demographic data, intrapersonal factors (self-esteem, autistic traits and inattention symptoms), and family factors (socioeconomic status, family functioning, and parenting style) were examined as predictors in a multiple regression analysis. The results of Wave 1 indicated that the family factors (neglectful parenting style and family dysfunction, respectively) were stronger predictors than other variables. In Wave 2, lower self-esteem was found to be an independent predictor of IA symptoms after controlling for depression and anxiety in the mediation analysis, while neglectful parenting style and autistic traits remained significant predictors. These findings identified the importance of family risk factors for IA in adolescents with ADHD.