Journal of Fundamentals Mashhad University Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences of of Medical Sciences Research Center

lagigirO Article

The mediating relationship between internet with and personality traits in students

Zahra Moghanizadeh1; *Ali Farnam2; Zahra Talebi3; Maryam Asvadi4

1Ph.D. student in , Department of Psychology, Zahedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zahedan, Iran 2Assistant professor of psychology, Department of Psychology, Zahedan Branch, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran 3MA. in consultation, Faculty member of Hekamt Razavi Non-profit Institution of Higher Education, Mashhad, Iran 4MA. in consultation, Lecturer of University of Imam Reza, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract Introduction: This study aimed to develop a mediating model of internet addiction disorder, the amount of happiness and personality characteristics. Materials and Methods: This study is a correlational and the statistical population included all students of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in the academic year of 2015-2016. 384 students were selected using stratified random sampling based on Krejcie and Morgan Table. They completed the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the NEO personality questionnaires (NEO) and the Oxford Happiness Inventory (OHI) as well as a demographic information checklist. Data were analyzed using statistical methods, descriptive statistics and path analysis. Results: Findings indicated that the first model was not sufficiently fitted, so the modified model showed a better fit with the data (CFI=0.99, AGFI=0.97, GFI =0.99, RSMEA= 0.02, χ2/df= 1.15). In this model, it was found that among NEO Five-Factor personality traits, had a significant correlation with the Internet addiction (R=0.18). In addition, among personality traits, neuroticism had a significant correlation with the Internet addiction, and a significant negative relationship between conscientiousness and the internet addiction was obtained (R= -13, P<0.05). Conclusion: According to the findings, a structural analysis of personality variables, and happiness showed a clearer picture of the relationship between psychological structures and addiction to the Internet.

Keywords: Internet addiction, Happiness, Personality traits ()

Please cite this paper as: Moghanizadeh Z, Farnam A, Talebi Z, Asvadi M. The mediating relationship between internet addiction with happiness and personality traits in students. Journal of Fundamentals of Mental Health 2018 May-Jun; 20(3): 236-47.

*Corresponding Author: Department of Psychology, Zahedan Branch, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran [email protected] Received: Jun. 28, 2017 Accepted: Mar. 11, 2018

Fundamentals of Mental Health, 2018 Mar-Apr http://jfmh.mums.ac.ir 236 INTERNET ADDICTION AND HAPPINESS MOGHANIZADEH ET AL.

Introduction life pressures, the level of resiliency, Despite the fact that more than four interpersonal relationships, the type of decades have passed since the invention of perceived social support are among the the Internet, it has had a significant growth. most important factors influencing As far back as 2010, the number of Internet university student’s tendency to internet sites was higher than humans on the Earth addiction (16). (1). It has entered to Iran, the internet, But, on the other hand, the researcher since 1992 and then the number of users believes that some personality has been increased; as in the last decade, characteristics also have an effective the use of the internet in the country has impact on internet addiction. Personality grown 29% and now Iran is ranked first characteristics of internet users, along with among the Middle East in terms of internet the increasing spread of the internet, are users (2). There are different statistics on among the factors that make individuals the prevalence of internet addiction in busy with internet (17). Personality is a various societies. In a study to determine general construct that consists of a set of the prevalence of Internet addiction among personal characteristics, and refers to three university students, it is indicated that 23.8 components, including thoughts, and 1.8 percents of students had moderate and behaviors, which interact with the and severe internet addiction, respectively environment (18). Today, the trait (3). The growing literature on Internet approach is a dominant theory in this field. addiction indicates that this is a social- This approach assumes that human has a psychological disorder (4). wide range of readiness and responds to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of stimuli in a particular way (19). All traits Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) has approach’s theorists, with a little difference introduced internet addiction in the in their research method and considering impulse-control disorders category (5). traits as a construct, believe that trait is the By growing internet addiction and its main aspect of human personality. McCrae unhealthy side effects it becomes a and Costa believe that these traits hallmark of all behavioral addiction (6). In various structures such as self-concept, a systematic survey, it has been indicated self-efficacy beliefs and adaptive features that communication through the internet, like attitudes and personal goals, and then while having positive effects, has had influence individual’s choices and harmful effects such as distress and decisions (20). Researchers believe that dysfunction in the daily schedule (7). introverts can compensate the difficulty of is one of the most striking interactions in real world through virtual effects of internet addiction among communication (13). Researchers also American University students (8). In the found that some factors such as research conducted in Taiwan (9), China extroversion and empiricism had a positive (10), Norway (11) and Iran (12), there and significant relationship, and emotional were a significant relationship between stability had a negative relationship with internet addiction with loneliness and the amount of internet use (21). Azizi et al. family conflict. The relationship between (22) also found that extroversion, openness internet addiction with and self- to experience excitement, and flexibility esteem (13,14), coping strategies (6) and were related to internet addiction, and the social (15) has been indicated in personality dimension of openness and several studies. Studies have also encourage ability to experience was a good emphasized on the addictive nature of the predictor of internet addiction (22). internet, especially among students. In this But in terms of the relationship between regard, Cao and Su showed that the daily personality traits and internet addiction,

Fundamentals of Mental Health, 20(3), May-Jun 2018 236-47

INTERNET ADDICTION AND HAPPINESS MOGHANIZADEH ET AL. many variables can have an important internet with personality traits and the mediating or moderating role. By mediating role of happiness were examined reviewing the existing literature we can by the path analysis. consider happiness as an important Materials and Methods variable. Akın (23) believes that excessive This is a descriptive study in a correlation internet use creates a subjective happiness, and path analysis method. The statistical so that the person could not distinguish population of the study included all between happiness in the real world and students of Ferdowsi University of happiness in cyberspace, and this Mashhad in the academic year of 2015- premature situation leads to a decrease in 2016. According to the Morgan’s table for of the person; so that the person sample size, the number of 384 students becomes a dependent rather than trying to was selected by stratified sampling. First, solve his/her problems. Some studies also the number of students in each faculty showed that people are happier when using (class) was calculated according to major the internet, so that the use of the telephone and grade, then the sampling was done and the internet depends on the level of based on the ratio in each class. The welfare, thus those who are at higher level inclusion criteria were: informed and have more access to this technology and voluntary willingness to participate in feel happier (24). However, according to research; aged 18-45 years; ability for Brooks (25), life satisfaction such as high proper completion of the questionnaires; income levels, high interpersonal and and lack of acute mental problems. social supports directly affect happiness. Exclusion criteria were: lack of willingness Individuals who have proper control over to participate, lack of proper completion of their life have a lower tendency to internet the questionnaires. After sampling based addiction and therefore their happiness will on inclusion and exclusion criteria, the increase. participants completed the questionnaires. Overall, the existing literature suggests that Finally, 319 questionnaires were collected internet addiction has a high prevalence then they were analyzed by descriptive among societies and is one of the newest statistics and path analysis. In order to problems of the present era, which has a observe ethical issues, informed consent significant negative impact on all of the was obtained from the participants and population, especially for students. they were assured that their information Therefore, it is important to identify the would be confidential and no threat for effective factors as well as applying participating. Also, all of the participants’ appropriate strategies to reduce its effects. questions were answered during the Thus, the relationship between completion of the tools and informed about psychological structures and internet report of the results. addiction illustrates a clearer picture of the Research instruments factors affecting internet addiction. So, A) Demographic questionnaire: This is a personality characteristics and happiness researcher-made questionnaire and are factors that can contribute to internet includes some questions about age, gender, addiction, but despite the numerous grade, internet usage hours per week, researches in this field, there is no study to usage time, type of internet and the used investigate the mediating role of happiness tools including mobile phone, tablet, laptop in the relationship between personality or PC. traits and internet addiction disorder B) Internet Addiction Test: This well- among students who are at higher risk than validated 5-Likert scale (rarely=1; others. Therefore, in the present study, in a sometimes=2; often=3, more often=4; and more comprehensive manner, the relationship between addiction to the

Fundamentals of Mental Health, 20(3), May-Jun 2018 228-35 INTERNET ADDICTION AND HAPPINESS MOGHANIZADEH ET AL. always=5) was designed by Young for and 0.87, respectively. By calculating the measuring dependency to the internet. The correlation between two forms of a minimum and maximum scores are 20 and personal report and an observer evaluation 100, respectively. The 6 subscales are: to assess the criterion validity among the salience, excessive use, neglecting work, main factors, the maximum correlation was , lack of control, and neglecting calculated to be 0.66 in the extroversion social life that assess three levels, mild factor and the minimum correlation to be (20-39), moderate (40-69) and severe (70- 0.45 for the agreeableness factor. Among 100) internet addiction (26). This scale was the secondary traits, the maximum translated and used in Farsi by Orang (27). correlation was 0.70 in the and the The reliability and validity of this scale minimum was for compassionate and have shown in many studies. Henrich flexibility in . The internal excluded five factors, including too much consistency coefficient for main factors, time on the internet, use of internet for including agreeableness, openness, inner peace, prominence, pathological use extraversion, neuroticism and of chatroom and of job and conscientiousness, were 0.86, 0.73, 0.56, academic duties. In addition, two types of 0.68 and 0.87, respectively (31). content and deferential reliability (r=0.5) D) Oxford Happiness Inventory: Argyl et and test-retest (r=0.74), internal al. reversed the Beck Depression Inventory consistency (a=0.88), diligent (r=0.82) and developed a 21-item scale (32). This is were considered and the best clinical point a 29-item with 4-Likert (1-4), so that the is 44 (28). Alavi et al. reported 0.97 and score for each subject varies between 29 0.97 for Cronbach and split-half, and 116; therefore, the higher the score, the respectively (29). higher happiness, and vice versa. Argyle C) NEO-FFI: This scale was developed by and Lu reported 90% for the alpha McCrae and Costa that have been used for coefficient (33). Alipour and Noorbala assessing personality, and also has a strong reported 0.94 and 0.90 of the coefficients empirical support. This is a 60-item and 5- of internal consistency for men and Likert (strongly agree=1; strongly women, respectively, in an Iranian sample. disagree=5) and each big factor Also, Alipour and Agah Heris reported (extraversion, neuroticism, openness, 91% for the Cronbach alpha coefficient conscientiousness, agreeableness) assessed (34). by every 12 items. Its content validity has Results been reported 0.76 to 0.90 for five factors, 319 students have participated (213 by McCrae and Costa (30). The alpha females (66.8%) and 106 males (33.2%)). coefficients reported by McCrae and Costa The highest and lowest participation was in the S form (individual scale) in related to engineering (77 students) and subscales were 0.56 to 0.81 and in the R mathematics (7 students) faculties, form (the others’ report about the person) respectively; Also, the highest and lowest were 0.66 to 0.92, and main factors participation in terms of grade were including extraversion, openness and respectively related to undergraduate (245 neuroticism have higher reliability students) and Ph.D (14 students); Also 60 coefficients such as 0.83 to 0.86. This subjects were from Master grade. questionnaire was administered by Grossi Table 1 indicates descriptive statistics of on 2000 students of the Iranian the subjects for variables of study. The Universities with the aim of identifying conscientiousness, among other personality more fixed factors and its alpha traits, has the highest mean score (36.62). coefficients for agreeableness, openness, The mean scores of happiness and extraversion, neuroticism and addiction to internet of the students is conscientiousness were 56.68, 0.73, 0.86 41.21 and 40.33, respectively. The

Fundamentals of Mental Health, 20(3), May-Jun 2018 228-35 INTERNET ADDICTION AND HAPPINESS MOGHANIZADEH ET AL. correlation matrix of the variables is happiness and internet addiction are presented in table 1. The relationship significant. between, neuroticism and happiness; neuroticism and internet addiction; Table 1. Descriptive statistics and correlation matrix Variable Mean SD Correlation Happiness Internet addiction Neuroticism 3.29 6.03 -0.13* 0.17*** Extraversion 38.25 6.12 0.10 -0.04 Openness 37.52 6.70 0.02 -0.02 Agreeableness 37.41 6.42 0.02 0.09 Conscientiousness 38.62 5.69 0.06 -0.09 Happiness 41.21 12.52 1 -0.15** Internet addiction 40.33 15.27 -0.15** 1 *P<0.05, **P<0.01, ***P<0.001 Since the main purpose of this study was to However, the indicators of path analysis examine the direct and indirect effects of are not limited to the general fitting indices personality traits and happiness on internet of the model. But also the path coefficient addiction, the causal relationship between parameter and their corresponding t values these variables were developed and were for each of the causative paths are examined by the path analysis method. The considered, from the external to the fitness of the proposed model was mediator and internal variables, and examined based on the Comparative Fit mediators to internals. Based on the Index (CFI), Goodness of Fit Index (GFI), information presented, the pathway Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index (AGFI), coefficient, -0.14, for neuroticism to and Root Mean Square Error of happiness is a negative and weak path, Approximation. It is essential that the which is significant based on t-test (t= - mentioned indices have the required 2.45; P<0.05). The pathway coefficient, standards, in order to fit the pattern. If X2 0.19, for neuroticism to internet addiction is less than 3, the RSMEA is less than 0.1 is a positive and weak path, which is and is closer to zero, and also GFI, AGFI, significant based on t-test (t=3.37; CFI is closer to 1, and it suggests that the P<0.05). The pathway coefficient, 0.13, for proposed pattern is confirmed. According conscientiousness to internet addiction is a to this, general indices for examining the positive and weak path, which is proposed pattern indicated no general significant based on t-test (t=2.33; fitness of the pattern; the unfitted pattern is P<0.05). The pathway coefficient, -0.12, presented in Table 2. In order to fit the for happiness to internet addiction is a initial unfitted pattern, some corrections, negative and weak one, which is based on theoretical and empirical significant (t=-2.16; P<0.05). In other foundations, were considered and finally word, the path coefficients are significant the pattern was confirmed. The general from the external variable (neuroticism) to indices of this new pattern are presented in the mediator (happiness) and finally Table 2. According to the following table, internal variable (internet addiction). Also, general indices of this new pattern have it is significant from the external variable required standards and the values indicate (conscientiousness) to internal variable the general fitness of the pattern (Internet addiction) as well as from the (X2/df=1.15; RSMEA=0.02; GFI=0.99, mediator (happiness) to internal variable AGFI=0.97; CFI=0.99). (internet addiction) (P<0.05). Table 2. General indices of the corrected model In Table 3, the direct and indirect of 2 2 χ Df χ /df RMSEA GFI AGFI CFI coefficients and all variables are presented. 8.08 7 1.15 0.02 0.99 0.97 0.99 As shown in this table, external variables

(neuroticism and conscientiousness) and mediator (happiness) have a direct effect

Fundamentals of Mental Health, 20(3), May-Jun 2018 228-35 INTERNET ADDICTION AND HAPPINESS MOGHANIZADEH ET AL. on Internet addiction, which among them characteristics of the neurotic people. neuroticism has a positive effect, and These thoughts are guided by the conscientiousness and happiness have a cognitive-thinking style of the person, and negative effect on addiction. Also, someone who thinks much about the neuroticism has a direct and negative effect internet will have a more intense and on happiness. Also the results presented in prolonged addiction (17). In addition, the above table show that 0.06% of neuroticism is characterized by some traits variance in students’ internet addiction such as , , , , scores is explained through neuroticism, and . These factors are referred conscientiousness and happiness; also, to as “emotional stability”, which lack of 0.01% of the happiness’ variance is such emotional stability, in neurotic explained by neuroticism. In general, people, leads to experience negative happiness can play a mediating role in the events, including internet addiction (21). relationship between neuroticism and Also, in explaining the relationship internet addiction. between conscientiousness and internet Table 3. The direct, indirect and general addiction, we can consider the coefficients of the confirmed model subcomponents of conscientiousness Variables Direc Indirec Genera Explaine t t l effect d (orderliness, industriousness, reliability, effect effects variance decisiveness, and impulse control). In his s On internet 0.06 research, Mousavi concluded that addiction from: conscientiousness individuals have higher Neuroticism 0.19 0.01 0.02 levels of academic achievement and less Conscientiousne -0.13 - -0.13 tendency toward addiction due to ss Happiness -0.12 - -012 orderliness, industriousness and impulse On happiness 0.01 control (41). Theoretically, from: conscientiousness is the ability to control Internet -0.14 - -0.14 addiction impulses, tendencies and the application of Discussion the plans to behavior in order to achieve Interesting to the psychological aspects of the goals. Therefore, conscientiousness can using internet and its pathology has grown neutralize the pathological effects of the dramatically in recent years. Therefore, the tendency to addiction on students’ present study aimed to investigate the academic performance by playing a mediating role of happiness in the protective role (16). relationship between personality traits and Another finding of the study showed that internet addiction among students and neuroticism has a direct negative effect on developing a model based on previous happiness, which is consistent with research. The findings showed that previous studies (38,42,43). It can be neuroticism and conscientiousness have a pointed out that neurotic individuals have significant positive and negative effect on no emotional stability and once they Internet addiction, respectively. These experience stress they feel anxiety and findings are consistent with a large number lower level of self-esteem, and of previous studies which showed there consequently more unpleasant. They tend was a significant positive relationship to appraise life events more negative than between neuroticism and conscientiousness others, making them less happy (41). (16,35-41). In explaining the relationship, Given the fact that anxiety and depression it can be said that individuals with neurotic are neurotic traits, the results are personality have irrational and maladaptive acceptable. Nevertheless the path analysis thoughts that increase the likelihood of shows that neuroticism only explains 1% their tendency to the internet. In fact, of the happiness’s variance. It seems that cognitive distortions about self are other variables such as life satisfaction that

Fundamentals of Mental Health, 20(3), May-Jun 2018 228-35 INTERNET ADDICTION AND HAPPINESS MOGHANIZADEH ET AL.

includes high income level, individual’s and therapists to develop and design socialization so that person has a high level programs for educating, preventing and interpersonal relationship and high social treating internet addiction. In addition, in support, affects happiness directly (25). practice, it can helps authorities of the The latest finding of the study indicated Ministry of Science, Research and that happiness has a significant mediating Technology, which mainly involves with role in the relationship between adults who have characteristics such as the neuroticism and internet addiction. That is, -seeking, need for entertainment although neuroticism has a significant and happiness, and diversity in life and, on positive relationship with the internet the other hand, identified as vulnerable, addiction, but due to the mediator role of and impulsive, to monitor and happiness, neuroticism had a significant provide specialized consultants for negative relationship with the internet. In students who identified as vulnerable for fact, happiness changes the relationship the Mental Health Survey. Replicating between neuroticism and internet findings from similar studies can examine addiction. This finding is consistent with the current findings and increase the Bandani et al. (44) and Kavetsos et al. (24) generalization of the findings. Caution findings. These results show, although should be considered in generalizing to approaching to internet can create initial general and clinical population, due to subjective happiness, but after a while, and student and non-clinical population as well excessive use of the internet lead to the as the self-report questionnaire. internet addiction, with unpleasantness and Conclusion decreasing of mental health (45) because In summary, the results of the present then the person does not have the ability to study suggest that although personality distinguish between happiness in real traits, neuroticism and conscientiousness, world and cyberspace, and this unclear and are effective on internet addiction through precarious state leads to a decrease in self- the mediating role of happiness, but only confidence of the person as he/she explained 6% of the internet addiction’s becomes a dependent instead of problem variance. This means that the personality solving. But on the other hand, according traits have a little contribution to this to the results of the present study as well as disorder and we should investigate other other studies, happiness has a negative effective variables. relationship with some personality traits Acknowledgment such as neuroticism (42) and given that This study was approved by the research neuroticism has a positive relationship with committee of Ferdowsi University of internet addiction (39), reducing internet Mashhad. We appreciate the cooperation addiction through the mediating role of of all people, including the staff of happiness have important educational Ferdowsi University of Mashhad as well as implications. students. There is no conflict of interests. The present findings can provide important information for university administrators

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However, the indicators of path analysis are not limited to the general fitting indices of the Discussion dimensions have positive correlations with The purpose of this study was to emotional dysregulation, while age had a investigate the role of dimensions of negative correlation with emotional personality trait and age in dysregulation. Then, in order to investigate men's emotional dysregulation. To the role of impulsivity dimensions and age investigate the relationship between in emotional dysregulation precisely, these impulsivity dimensions and age with variables were introduced into the emotional dysregulation, first the hierarchical regression analysis as correlation between these variables was predictors of emotional dysregulation. The examined using Pearson test. The results of results of regression analysis showed that this test indicated that impulsivity in addition to age, lack of perseverance,

Fundamentals of Mental Health, 20(3), May-Jun 2018 228-35 INTERNET ADDICTION AND HAPPINESS MOGHANIZADEH ET AL. negative urgency and positive urgency has a unique role in predicting emotional have a significant role in predicting dysregulation. On the one hand, this emotional dysregulation. finding suggests that impulsivity The lack of perseverance that is associated dimensions, despite considering as with the self-discipline trait of the Neo personality traits and therefore supposing personality inventory refers to the ability to have a relatively constant pattern over of individuals to stay focused on a work time, they still are affected by aging and that may be tedious or difficult (18). age increasing is associated with a People with low scores in this dimension decrease in impulsivity. On the other hand, can finish the assigned tasks and work these findings show that not only, under conditions that require resistance to consisting with conducted researches distracting stimuli, while people with high (14,15), the age does affect the selection of scores in this dimension cannot force emotional regulation strategies, but also themselves to do what they don’t want to people’s age increasing is associated with a do (18). Therefore, according to the decrease in their emotional regulation findings of this research, people who do problems. not have the necessary effort and Conclusion perseverance to pursue their duties and The findings of the study showed that tasks are also unable to manage their dimensions of impulsivity and age have emotions in facing life's problems and not only a significant correlation with suffer from more difficulties in emotional emotional dysregulation, but also play a regulation. significant contribution in the predicting of Similarly, people with high scores in the emotional dysregulation and thy explain urgency factor also suffer from emotional nearly half of the total variance of the regulation difficulties. The urgency emotional dysregulation. Although, the pointing to hasty action in the intense contribution of the dimensions of emotional textures is itself composed of impulsivity compared to the age is much two dimensions of negative and positive more and indicates the importance of the urgency. Negative urgency that refers to impulsivity personality trait in disturbances hasty action in negative emotional contexts in men's emotional regulation, but age, in is considered as a dimension of the original turn, has a significant contribution in impulsivity questionnaire (18). predicting of emotional dysregulation, and Nevertheless, positive urgency was later given the negative correlation between this added to the original scale based on the variables, findings indicate that age works of Cyders et al. (27) and it was increasing is associated with better use of supposed to measure a part of the emotional regulation strategies and impulsivity (impulsivity in response to reduction of emotional regulation disorder. very positive emotional states), which However, due to the implementation of this negative urgency was not able to measure research on the general population of adult it. However, as the findings of the study males should be cautious about showed, both urgency dimensions have generalizing its findings to other groups significant contribution in the predicting of such as women, adolescents and people the emotional dysregulation and it can be with mental disorders, and it is essential to said that the tendency to hasty action in the repeat it on other groups in order to intense emotional contexts is associated increase the generalizability of the with emotional dysregulation, regardless of findings. the content of emotions. Acknowledgement The results of the study also indicated that There was no conflict between the interests age, despite having a meaningful of the authors and the subject of the relationship with impulsivity dimensions, research.

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