Psychometric properties of a Thai version internet addiction test

Abstract

Objective: The aim was to assess the reliability and validity of a Thai version internet addiction test. Results: Cronbach's alpha for the Thai version of the internet addiction test was 0.89. A three-factor model showed the best fit with the data for the whole sample, whereas the hypothesized six-factor model, as well as a unidimensional model of the internet addiction test, failed to demonstrate acceptable fit with the data. Three factors, namely functional impairment, withdrawal symptoms and loss of control, exhibited Cronbach's alphas of 0.81, 0.81, and 0.70, respectively. Item 4, 'to form new relationships with online users', yielded the lowest loading coefficient of all items. Positive correlations between the internet addiction test and UCLA loneliness scores were found. The Thai version of the internet addiction test was considered reliable and valid, and has sufficient unidimensionality to calculate for total score in screening for excessive internet use.