Author(s): Lauren Aguas , Kelley FitzpatrickJ , Jeffery Leibman

Presentation: poster

According to Shapira et al. (2000) problematic internet use is defined as uncontrollable; markedly distressing; time consuming or resulting in social, occupational, or financial difficulties; and not solely present during hypomanic and manic symptoms. We are measuring the relationship of impulsivity and self-control to Internet addiction because addiction involves a euphoric response to stimuli causing the behavior to be positively reinforced. This can create a potentially devastating outcome including, but not limited to, diminished health, mental instability, loss of interpersonal relationships, financial strain, and academic failure. However, Internet addiction is not formally categorized as a behavioral addiction. But, it is being considered for inclusion in the next Diagnostical and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders by the American Psychological Association. We hypothesize that there is a strong relationship between impulsivity and low self-control to Internet addiction. This hypothesis is based on pilot data we gathered that showed a strong correlation between impulsivity and Internet addiction, r = .307, p < .05. These data can be significant in contributing to further research on Internet addiction so that it may be classified as a behavioral addiction by the American Psychological Association.

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