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International Journal of Mental Health Systems
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research

Effect of social support on depression of internet addicts and the mediating role of loneliness

Authors: Fei He, Qin Zhou, Jing Li, Rong Cao, Hao Guan

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

Many studies have determined the existence of an extremely close association between Internet addiction and depression. However, the reasons for the depression of Internet addicts have not been fully investigated.

Aim

This cross-sectional study aims to explore the factors that influence depression among Internet addicts.

Methods

A total of 162 male Internet addicts completed the Emotional and Social Loneliness Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Self-Rating Depression Scale.

Results

Loneliness and lack of social support are significantly correlated with depression among Internet addicts. Structural Equation Modeling results indicate that social support partially mediates loneliness and depression.

Conclusions

Both social support and loneliness were negatively associated with depression of Internet addicts whereas loneliness plays a mediating role between social support and depression.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Effect of social support on depression of internet addicts and the mediating role of loneliness
Authors
Fei He
Qin Zhou
Jing Li
Rong Cao
Hao Guan
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
International Journal of Mental Health Systems / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1752-4458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-4458-8-34

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