Abstract

Purpose: This study was to assess the association of internet addiction and depression, stress and suicidal ideation among adolescents. Methods: The authors have surveyed 2 middle schools and 2 high schools located in Seoul and analyzed 525 questionnaires. The questionnaire included the Internet Addiction Self Diagnosis Index (K-index), Child Depression Index (CDI), Stress Index and Reynold's Suicidal Ideation Index. Structural equational model analysis was done to explore the association between internet addiction and suicidal ideation. Results: The adolescent internet addiction groups were classified as the high risk group 12 (2.3%), the potential risk group 64 (12.2%) and the normal group 449 (85.5%). When classified according to sex, the high risk group is consisted of 8 (3.9%) boys, 4 (1.3%) girls and the potential risk group is consisted of 41 (64.1%) boys and 23 (35.9%) girls which leads to the conclusion that boys are relatively more addicted compared with girls. The group with more addiction showed higher depression scores, stress scores and suicidal ideation scores. The correlation analysis showed the significant relations between internet addiction and depression (r=0.263), stress (r=0.265) and suicidal ideation (r=0.284). According to the structural equation model analysis, internet addiction had direct effects on the depression and indirect effects on suicidal ideation. Stress had the significant direct effects on both internet addiction and depression. Depression had a significant direct effect on suicidal ideation. Conclusion: Internet addiction affects directly and indirectly an depression and suicidal ideation among adolescent.

Keywords

• Adolescents;
• Internet addiction;
• Depression;
• Suicidal ideation