The Factor Structure of the Internet Addiction Tool with University Students in Jordan

Abstract

Internet addiction is a growing phenomenon affecting people in varying ways around the globe. This study examined the factor structure and internal reliability of the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) with a heterogeneous sample of university students in Jordan. The study used a cross-sectional design, and all the questionnaires were completed in classrooms. A sample of 587 students from seven universities in Jordan was obtained. The exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the 20-item IAT revealed that a four-factor solution offered the most parsimonious explanation of the data. The IAT reliably assesses distinct domains of Internet addiction. These domains are Excessive Use, Loss/Suffer, Attached To, and Impaired Social Relations. Thus, it is recommended to use the obtained four factors when assessing Internet addiction among a similar population. © 2015