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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

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Open Access 01-04-2019 | Original Article

Emerging Adults and Facebook Use: the Validation of the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS)

Authors: Gustavo Ferreira da Veiga, Luciana Sotero, Halley M. Pontes, Diana Cunha, Alda Portugal, Ana P. Relvas

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 2/2019

Abstract

Based on the six key components of addiction, the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS) is a widely used instrument to assess Facebook addiction. This study aimed to conduct a psychometric validation in a Portuguese sample of emerging adults (ages 18 to 29 years). The construct validity analyses confirmed the one-factor solution and a statistically significant association found between Facebook addiction and Preference for Online Social Interaction, measured by the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2, warranted the scale criterion validity. Internal consistency was scrutinized using Cronbach’s α (α = .87) and stability measured by test-retest (r = .94). Associations between BFAS scores and Brief Symptom Inventory dimensions scores (e.g., interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety) and the GPIUS2 subscale, deficient self-regulation, scores were evaluated. A subsample with higher levels of addiction was analyzed. In summary, the results of the present study support the use of the Portuguese version of the BFAS in both research and clinical milieus. Further implications for research and practice were considered.

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Title: Emerging Adults and Facebook Use: the Validation of the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS)
Authors: Gustavo Ferreira da Veiga
Luciana Sotero
Halley M. Pontes
Diana Cunha
Alda Portugal
Ana P. Relvas
Publication date: 01-04-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 2/2019
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-018-0018-2

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