Ibadan Journal of the Social Sciences
Volume 21, No. 1, 2023
DOI: 10.36108/ijss/3202.12.0140
Psychological Factors and Internet Access as Predictors of Internet Addictive Behaviour among Adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria
Mojisola S. Ajayi, Ayodeji J. Ogunnami and Emmanuel E. Uye
Department of Psychology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
Little research attention has been given to the predictive role of impulsivity, internet access and emotional intelligence on internet addictive behaviour, especially among in-school adolescents. Also, empirical findings in this area are mixed, which is a need for further studies. Therefore, this study examined the pattern of relationship among impulsivity, Internet access, emotional intelligence and internet addictive behaviour, and tested the predictive value of impulsivity, Internet access and emotional intelligence in internet addictive behaviour among in-school adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria. Data were collected from 200 in-school adolescents in five secondary schools using the Impulsivity, Internet Access, Emotional Intelligence and the Internet Addictive Behaviour Scales. Data collected were analysed using zero-order correlation statistics and multiple regression analysis. Two hypotheses were tested and accepted at a p<.05 level of significance. The results of zero-order correlation analysis revealed that impulsivity, Internet access and emotional intelligence were significant positive correlates of Internet addictive behaviour. The multiple regression results established that impulsivity, internet access and emotional intelligence independently and jointly predicted internet addictive behaviour among study participants. It was concluded that impulsivity, Internet access and emotional intelligence are strong predictors of Internet addictive behaviour among in-school adolescents. The practical implications of findings for intervention and future research directions are discussed.
Keywords: Impulsivity, internet access, emotional intelligence, internet addictive behaviour, adolescents