Uso problemático generalizado da internet em adultos

: papel preditivo da regulação emocional e da autoestima durante a pandemia de COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: The generalized problematic internet use can generate negativerepercussions on the individual's life, having an influence on how he faces adversity.Dysfunctional emotional regulation is more likely to engage in addictive behaviors inorder to abstract from negative emotions. Similarly, low self-esteem has been shown tobe susceptible to problematic internet use, perceiting virtual interactions as safer and morecompensatory.Method: Explore the predictive role of emotional regulation and self-esteem in thegeneralized problematic internet use, during the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of 138Portuguese adults. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Generalized ProblematicInternet Use Scale 2, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale and the RosenbergSelf-Esteem Scale were used.Results and conclusions: Statistically significant differences in the relationship betweenemotional regulation, self-esteem and generalized problematic internet use was showed.That is, a low emotional regulation and low self-esteem proved to be predictors ofgeneralized problematic internet use. Additionally, being younger, being male and anearlier age of initial use of the internet resulted in significant relationship with generalized problematic internet use.

Date of Award	5 Apr 2023
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Berta Rodrigues Maia (Supervisor)