I. Zanon, I. Bertin, A.Fabbri Bombi, G. Colombo - Vol. 8, December 2002, Issue 4
Testo Immagini Bibliografia Summary Indice
Trance Dissociativa e Internet Dipendenza:
studio su un campione di utenti della Rete
Dissociative Trance and Internet Addiction: study on a sample of web users
Objective
The aim of this study is to assess the psychological effects of the Internet. In particular, the study focused on two entities: computer use-induced dissociative trance and Internet addiction.
Methods
Two tools have been used: the DES (Dissociative Experience Scale), a screening test to single out subjects with dissociative disorder, and the IAT (Internet Addiction Test), a tool created to analyse Internet addiction.
The study sample consisted of 110 Internet users, who were compared with controls through off-line interview. Web use modality was assessed after interview.
Results
Dissociative experiences were significantly higher in the study sample; the use of a chat-line predisposed to dissociation and Internet addiction. Lower score on both scales were found in the group with only job-related Internet use. Data were analysed using non-parametric statistics (Mann-Whitney’s U-test and Kruskal-Wallis test).
Conclusions
Our results seem to confirm a relationship between dissociative experience and Internet addiction. The question remains whether it is the Web that induces dissociation and addiction or if there are dissociative tendencies and needs of addiction that prompting Internet use.