Effects of Self-efficacy and Self-control on Internet Addiction in Middle School Students: A Social Cognitive Theory-Driven Focus on the Mediating Influence of Social Support.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate internet addiction among middle school students and to examine the mediating effects of social support in the relationships of self-efficacy and self-control with internet addiction.

METHODS

The participants in the study were 119 middle school students in J city. The measurements included a self-efficacy scale, a self-control scale, a social support scale, and the Internet Addiction Scale for Youth. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, one-way analysis of variance, the Scheffé test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple-regression using SPSS version 22.0. Mediation effects were analyzed by the Sobel test and Baron and Kenny's hierarchical analysis technique.

RESULTS

Significant correlations were found among self-efficacy, self-control, and internet addiction. Social support had partial mediating effects in the relationship between self-efficacy and internet addiction, as well as in the relationship between self-control and internet addition.

CONCLUSION

In order to prevent internet addiction, the promotion of interactions among peers, which is a component of social support, is particularly important. It is also necessary to promote face-to-face activities that can strengthen relationships. The findings suggest that intensifying social support may help reduce the level of internet addiction in middle school students.