BACKGROUND: Pathological Internet Use (PIU) has become a global issue associated with the increasing number of Internet users. Previous studies concerned both the interpersonal and intrapersonal vulnerable factors and the corresponding models. However, a limited amount of research has explored the relationship between positive factors and PIU.
OBJECTIVE: to clarify the relationship between virtues and PIU among Chinese adolescents
METHODS: adolescents completed a package of psychological inventories, including the Chinese Virtues Questionnaire (CVQ) and the Adolescent Pathological Internet Use Scale (APIUS).
RESULTS: Almost 10% of adolescents exhibited PIU. The virtues of "Relationship" and "conscientiousness" negatively predicted PIU, whereas "vitality" positively predicted PIU.
CONCLUSIONS: Relationship and conscientiousness were possible protective factors and vitality a promotor of pathological Internet use.
Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health. 2014 Mar 4;8(1):8
