Internet Addiction and the Relationship to Self and Interpersonal
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INTERNET ADDICTION AND THE RELATIONSHIP TO SELF AND INTERPERSONAL FUNCTIONING WITHIN THE ALTERNATIVE MODEL FOR PERSONALITY DISORDERS (AMPD): IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT A Dissertation Presented to the Faculty of Antioch University Seattle In partial fulfillment for the degree of DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY by Lori Woehler ORCID Scholar No. 0000-0003-2353-6521 June 2020 INTERNET ADDICTION AND THE RELATIONSHIP TO SELF AND INTERPERSONAL FUNCTIONING WITHIN THE ALTERNATIVE MODEL FOR PERSONALITY DISORDERS (AMPD): IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT This dissertation, by Lori Woehler, has been approved by the committee members signed below who recommend that it be accepted by the faculty of Antioch University Seattle in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY Dissertation Committee: ___________________________________________ Christopher L. Heffner, PsyD, PhD Chairperson ___________________________________________ Michael J. Sakuma, PhD ___________________________________________ Jeffrey E. Hansen, PhD ___________________________________________ Date ii Copyright © 2020 by Lori L. Woehler All Rights Reserved iii ABSTRACT INTERNET ADDICTION AND THE RELATIONSHIP TO SELF AND INTERPERSONAL FUNCTIONING WITHIN THE ALTERNATIVE MODEL FOR PERSONALITY DISORDERS (AMPD): IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Lori L. Woehler Antioch University Seattle Seattle, WA Internet addictive use inclusive of inextricably interconnected mobile devices, applications, and social media predicts diminished Self and Interpersonal functioning. Internet addiction research is burdened by conflicting theoretical views, lack of standardized definitions and criteria, and the use of assessment measures adapted from those used for substance use disorders. Alternative and dimensional diagnostic models for internet addiction through a psychosocial developmental lens might further understanding of Internet addiction and reduce challenges which impact the ability to advance research and achieve clinically useful, culturally informed, and evidence-based practices for the assessment and treatment of Internet addiction. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA, http://aura.antioch.edu and Ohio Link ETD Center, https://etd.ohiolink.edu/etd. Keywords: internet addiction, identity, personality, alternative model personality disorders iv Dedication I dedicate this project to my grandmother who inspired me to follow my dreams, and to my son who motivated me to achieve them. v Acknowledgements I offer my deepest appreciation for my committee chair Christopher L. Heffner, PsyD, PhD whose unwavering support and encouragement allowed me to experience remarkable joy and passion for learning throughout this process. I offer gratitude to the other members of my committee. Michael J. Sakuma, PhD inspired me to lay the foundation for this project early in my academic journey and shaped my interest in mixed-methodology research. Jeffrey E. Hansen, Ph.D. instilled confidence in me with his unwavering support and constant attention to the clinical implications of this project. I offer gratitude to Phoenix Raine, PhD, B. J. Bullert, PhD, and Ann B. Blake, PhD who inspired me with their compassion, wisdom, guidance, and individual examples of remarkable educators and mentors. I gratefully acknowledge my dear friend and colleague Abigail Martin who graciously shared in the suffering and serenity throughout this journey. vi Table of Contents Abstract .......................................................................................................................................... iv Dedication ....................................................................................................................................... v Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................ vi List of Figures ............................................................................................................................... xii CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 1 Statement of the Problem ............................................................................................................ 2 Significance of the Study ............................................................................................................ 2 Purpose and Goals of the Study .................................................................................................. 3 Gaps in Research......................................................................................................................... 4 Assumptions ................................................................................................................................ 4 Hypotheses .................................................................................................................................. 5 Research Questions ..................................................................................................................... 5 Future Research .......................................................................................................................... 6 CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF LITERATURE ................................................................................. 7 Addiction..................................................................................................................................... 7 Neurophysiology of Addiction ............................................................................................... 8 Etiology of Addiction ........................................................................................................... 10 Clinical Profile and Course of Addiction.............................................................................. 13 Psychological Ramifications of Addiction ........................................................................... 15 vii Social and Cultural Factors in Addiction .............................................................................. 16 Addiction Treatment ............................................................................................................. 17 Behavioral Addictions .............................................................................................................. 21 Internet Addiction ..................................................................................................................... 22 Historical Context ................................................................................................................. 22 Precursors to Internet Addiction ........................................................................................... 24 Conceptualization of Internet Addiction ............................................................................... 25 Early Research in Internet Addiction .................................................................................... 27 Internet Addiction Models .................................................................................................... 29 Classification of Internet Addiction ...................................................................................... 32 Internet Addiction Assessment Measures ............................................................................. 34 Prevalence of Internet Addiction .......................................................................................... 36 Features and Associations of Internet Addiction ...................................................................... 37 Adolescents and Internet Addiction ...................................................................................... 38 Features, Risk Factors, and Comorbidities Associated with Internet Addiction .................. 39 Neurobiological Associations with Internet Addiction......................................................... 44 Emerging Approaches to Internet Addiction ........................................................................ 46 Categorical Diagnostic Models ................................................................................................. 49 DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders ............................................................... 50 Psychosocial Development ....................................................................................................... 51 viii CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY .............................................................................................. 53 Sample and Inclusion Criteria ................................................................................................... 53 Design ....................................................................................................................................... 53 Data Collection Instruments ..................................................................................................... 56 Internet Addiction Test (IAT) ............................................................................................... 56 The Level of Personality Functioning Scale – Brief Form 2.0 (LPFS-BF 2.0) .................... 57 Semi-Structured Interview .................................................................................................... 57 Recruitment ..............................................................................................................................