Internet self-efficacy, the need for cognition, and sensation seeking as predictors of problematic use of the internet

Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2011 Apr;14(4):231-4. doi: 10.1089/cyber.2009.0462. Epub 2010 Oct 23.

Abstract

We conducted a study of the relationships between Internet self-efficacy, sensation seeking, the need for cognition, and problematic use of the Internet. The study was based on a randomly selected sample of 979 adult Internet users. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis of these subjects' responses on a questionnaire consisting of relevant items indicated that Internet self-efficacy and sensation seeking positively predicted problematic Internet use. Contrastingly, the need for cognition was significantly negatively associated with problematic Internet use.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arousal
  • Behavior, Addictive
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Information Seeking Behavior*
  • Intention
  • Internet*
  • Male
  • Pleasure
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Self Efficacy*
  • Sensation