An Assessment of Pathological Internet Use among Young Adults: A Case Study of Tambach Teachers College, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya
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Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Daystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess Pathological Internet Use among young adults in Tambach Teachers College Elgeyo Marakwet County. The objectives guiding the study were first, to assess the prevalence of pathological internet use among young adults at Tambach Teachers College; second, to find out factors associated with pathological use among young adults in Tambach Teachers College; third, to examine the behavioral problems of pathological internet use among young adults in Tambach Teachers College; and fourth, to determine the prevalence of pathological internet use by gender among young adults in Tambach Teachers’ College. The study adopted the Davis’ Cognitive-Behavioral Model of PIU and Goldberg’s Internet Addiction Theory and it used a Cross-section research design. Data was collected using a questionnaire and The Problematic and Risky Internet Use Screening Scale (PRIUSS). The target population was diploma students from three different programs from Tambach Teachers College. The sample size was 292 and was selected using stratified random sampling techniques. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version28. The study findings revealed there was a high prevalence (84%)(P-value, 0.6) of pathological internet use among adults students from TTTC, 88% of respondents preferred socializing online at least sometimes, 66% reported having difficulty communicating in person due to internet use at least sometimes, 90% of respondents considered internet access important or very important in their daily lives, 89% used the internet to cope with negative emotions at least sometimes, 67.6% reported some level of decline in academic performance due to excessive internet use, 56.2% experienced physical health issues due to excessive internet use at least sometimes. Male students scored 86% on the pathological internet use scale, but the differences were not statistically significant. The study recommended that institutions such as Tambach Teachers College should implement awareness campaigns and educational programs to inform students about the risks of PIU, its effects on mental health, academic performance, and social relationships. To promote awareness and sensitize students about healthy internet usage, educational institutions should incorporate PIU assessments into the counseling services.
Description
MASTER OF ARTS in Counseling Psychology
Keywords
Pathological Internet Use, Young adults, Behavioral problems
Citation
Jepkemboi, R. D. (2024). An Assessment of Pathological Internet Use among Young Adults: A Case Study of Tambach Teachers College, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. Daystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences.