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Volume 24, Issue 155 (12-2025)
Journal of Psychological Science 2025, 24(155): 311-327 |
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mousavi S M, narimani M, basharpoor S. (2025). Structural Relationship Model of Internet Addiction with Psychological Distress: Examining the Mediating Role of Emotional Self-Efficacy. Journal of Psychological Science. 24(155), 311-327. doi:10.61186/jps.24.155.19
URL: http://psychologicalscience.ir/article-1-3087-en.html
URL: http://psychologicalscience.ir/article-1-3087-en.html
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran. , narimani@uma.ac.ir
Abstract: (13 Views)
Background: The growing use of cyberspace and its negative consequences have become a significant psychological and social challenge. Internet addiction, as the criterion variable, may be associated with psychological distress (predictor variables), while emotional self-efficacy, as a mediating variable, can moderate these relationships and mitigate the intensity of negative effects. Nevertheless, there remains a research gap regarding the role of emotional self-efficacy in these relationships, particularly within the cultural and social context of Iran, where indigenous studies are scarce.
Aims: The present study aimed to examine the structural relationship model of internet addiction with psychological distress, with an emphasis on the mediating role of emotional self-efficacy
Methods: This study is fundamental in terms of its objective and descriptive-correlational in terms of its methodology. The statistical population consisted of Ardabil University students in the academic year 2024-2025. Using cluster random sampling and based on the number of parameters in the hypothetical model, 300 individuals were selected as the sample. Data collection instruments included the Internet Addiction Scale (Young, 1998), the Emotional Self-Efficacy Scale (Bar-On et al., 1997), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995). Structural equation modeling was performed using SPSS-24 and AMOS-26 software.
Results: Data analysis using structural equation modeling indicated that psychological distress (β = 0/53, T = 17/69, p < 0/001) had a significant positive direct effect on Internet addiction. Moreover, emotional self-efficacy showed a significant negative direct effect on Internet addiction (β = -0/12, T = -2/89, p < 0/001) and played a partial mediating role in the relationships between psychological distress with Internet addiction. Model fit indices (GFI = 0/96, RMSEA = 0/075) indicated a good fit of the model.
.Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of considering emotional and cognitive variables in the prevention and reduction of internet addiction among students. It is recommended that educational programs and counseling interventions be designed and implemented with a focus on strengthening emotional self-efficacy.
Aims: The present study aimed to examine the structural relationship model of internet addiction with psychological distress, with an emphasis on the mediating role of emotional self-efficacy
Methods: This study is fundamental in terms of its objective and descriptive-correlational in terms of its methodology. The statistical population consisted of Ardabil University students in the academic year 2024-2025. Using cluster random sampling and based on the number of parameters in the hypothetical model, 300 individuals were selected as the sample. Data collection instruments included the Internet Addiction Scale (Young, 1998), the Emotional Self-Efficacy Scale (Bar-On et al., 1997), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995). Structural equation modeling was performed using SPSS-24 and AMOS-26 software.
Results: Data analysis using structural equation modeling indicated that psychological distress (β = 0/53, T = 17/69, p < 0/001) had a significant positive direct effect on Internet addiction. Moreover, emotional self-efficacy showed a significant negative direct effect on Internet addiction (β = -0/12, T = -2/89, p < 0/001) and played a partial mediating role in the relationships between psychological distress with Internet addiction. Model fit indices (GFI = 0/96, RMSEA = 0/075) indicated a good fit of the model.
.Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of considering emotional and cognitive variables in the prevention and reduction of internet addiction among students. It is recommended that educational programs and counseling interventions be designed and implemented with a focus on strengthening emotional self-efficacy.
Keywords: internet addiction, psychological, distress emotional self-efficacy, structural equation modeling (SEM).
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/08/19 | Accepted: 2025/11/29 | Published: 2025/12/26
Received: 2025/08/19 | Accepted: 2025/11/29 | Published: 2025/12/26
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This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)