Predictors of Pathological and Risky Internet Use Among Adolescents in Nairobi, Kenya: Case of Mixed SubCounty Secondary Schools in Nairobi, Kenya
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Date
2023-09
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Journal of Humanities And Social Science
Abstract
Pathological Internet usage (PIU) is recognized as a significant behavioural concern among teenagers and young people around the world. As a behavioural disorder, it is still an emerging idea that hasn't been thoroughly
refined. To understand the high-risk psychosocial predictors of pathological Internet use, particularly among students, it is critical to investigate PIU predictors. The purpose of this study was to assess PIU predictor (degree
of impairment or distress) among at-risk adolescents in Nairobi, Kenya. The data was obtained using PRIUSS, PIU-a, Internet Disorder Scale, and Readiness Check Ruler to analyze predictors of PIU in a sample of 270
adolescents aged 14-22; for the treatment group (n= 135) and the control group (n= 135). Age (p=.000) was found to be a predictor of pathological Internet use in this study. In terms of PIU symptoms, respondents aged 17-19 years scored higher than those aged 14-16 years and those aged 21 to 22 years. These data also revealed that individuals with a Pentecostal religious affiliation were significantly more likely to use the Internet in a
pathological way (p=.016). PIU was predicted for adolescents in the selected schools by their parents' occupation, particularly for those whose fathers were self-employed (p=.050) or had professional office positions (p=.008). In addition, respondents whose mother worked as a self-employed person had a higher PIU (p=.035). Furthermore, respondents with above-average academic competence statistically predicted PIU among
adolescents (p= 043). Being a respondent who grew up in a family with a single parent was a predictor of such an adolescent's pathological Internet use (p=.019). Furthermore, differences in independent predictors were
observed in various age groupings. In addition, changes in independent predictors were discovered in different age subgroups. The findings of this study appear to show that the respondents' parents' work predisposes them to the risk of PIU. Adolescents are more prone to PIU, according to this study. Furthermore, PIU was predicted by maladaptive coping stratagems, indicating that PIU is not an efficacious coping strategy but may be regarded as maladaptive behavior such as escapism, elucidates PIU as a distinct pathology. In conclusion, this study discovered specific predictors for adolescents that will support the development of PIU management programs.
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Journal Article
Keywords
Adolescents, pathological internet use, internet addiction, predictors
Citation
Nyaga, K & Kimani, I. (2023). Predictors of Pathological and Risky Internet Use Among Adolescents in Nairobi, Kenya: Case of Mixed SubCounty Secondary Schools in Nairobi, Kenya. Journal of Humanities And Social Science