DEPENDÊNCIA DE INTERNET, ANSIEDADE, DEPRESSÃO, ESTRESSE E QUALIDADE DE VIDA: UM ESTUDO CORRELACIONAL (DEPENDÊNCIA DE INTERNET: UM ESTUDO CORRELACIONAL)

Abstract

INTERNET DEPENDENCE, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, STRESS AND QUALITY OF LIFE: A CORRELATIONAL STUDY (INTERNET DEPENDENCE: A CORRELATIONAL STUDY)

Abstract

Currently, the internet is an indispensable technological resource, its use promotes development in areas such as education, health and communication. However, dysfunctional use can negatively affect individuals' psychological and physical health. This research verified correlations between internet addiction, psychological variables and quality of life. Psychology students (96) participated in the study. They were submitted to a battery of five tests: 1) Internet addiction; 2) Anxiety; 3) Depression; 4) Stress and; 5) Quality of life. The quality of life test covered four domains: Physical, Psychological, Social and Environmental. Crossovers between 28 variables were performed. Significant correlations were 23, 14 were moderate and six were strong.Data demonstrates an interrelationship between the phenomena. Internet addiction rates showed moderately significant positive correlations with depression and stress, while there was a negative correlation with the psychological domain. The values measured in the four domains of quality of life showed negative correlations with the indices aimed at measuring the variables anxiety, depression and stress. Data suggest that internet addiction increases the intensity of depressive and stress symptoms, deteriorating psychological aspects of quality of life. It is also noticed that the degradation of self-assessment about quality of life is accompanied by an increase in negative symptoms related to mental health.

Keywords: Internet addiction; anxiety; depression; stress; quality of life.