Problematic Internet Use In Adolescence: A Study On Dissociative Experiences

Problematic Internet Use in situations with strong emotional involvement could encourage abstraction from the real world and represent a refuge for adolescents. This could contribute to increase dissociative experiences. Dissociation represents a potential risk factor in case of Problematic Internet Use, especially for adolescents and their identity. The present study aimed to assess the associations between dissociative experiences and problematic internet use in adolescents, considering their emotional-behavioral functioning. Through the collaboration of high schools of center-south of Italy, N=133 adolescents aged between 14 and 18 were assessed. Self-report questionnaires on dissociative experiences, internet use and emotional behavioral functioning were administrated. The results showed that Problematic Internet Use was associated with increased dissociative experiences. Furthermore, in females Problematic Internet Use was associated with the presence of internalizing and externalizing symptoms. On the other hand, in males Problematic Internet Use was associated with passive influence. The result of this study indicates that Internet is not only understood as a withdrawal for adolescents. The virtual world allows the expression of forms of acts, representing diversified responses to adolescent distress