Adverse childhood experiences and problematic use of the internet among a child and adolescent psychiatric clinical population.

Abstract

Background: Internet use, specifically problematic use of the internet (PUI), needs to be considered in child and adolescent psychiatric (CAP) settings. Besides psychological symptomatology, childhood trauma (intrafamilial abuse and neglect) has been associated with PUI. The impact of various adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on PUI, particularly in CAP populations, is understudied. Objective: This study aimed to investigate associations between PUI and various ACEs in a CAP population, considering gender differences and psychological symptomatology. Methods and materials: 104 adolescents (69 girls) were included, aged 14–17 years, undergoing inpatient CAP treatment, between August 2018 and March 2020. Participants completed the Interview for the Assessment of Internet and Computer Game Addiction (AICA), the Youth Self-Report (YSR), and the Multidimensional Clinical Screening Inventory (MCSI). Statistical analyses examined associations between PUI and ACEs, after controlling for age, gender, and psychological symptomatology. Results: Extrafamilial emotional abuse was significantly associated with higher AICA scores and likelihood of PUI. Extrafamilial separation and loss was associated with a significant decrease in the internet use and to the likelihood of PUI. Suicide of a mother significantly increased the odds of moderate to severe PUI. School absenteeism and alcohol abuse were associated with higher AICA scores irrespective of age and gender, though these associations diminished when controlling for psychological symptomatology. Conclusions: Extrafamilial emotional abuse, particularly social receptive environments and relationships, play a significant role in developing PUI among CAP populations. The complex interplay of emotional trauma, family dynamics, peer relationships and individual behaviors regarding PUI should be addressed in CAP interventions.