| This study compared the self-reported family-of-origin functioning (FF) and differentiation of self (DS) of computer/internet addicts (CIADdicts) and nonCIADdicts. Based on Circumplex Theory (Olson, Russell, & Sprenkle, 1979), Bowen Theory (Bowen, 1978; Kerr & Bowen, 1988), and research supporting the applicability of these models to other disorders of overuse (Friedman, Utada & Morrissey, 1987; Wampler, Fischer, Thomas & Lyness, 1993), it was hypothesized that CIADdicts would report more extreme FF and lower levels of DS than nonCIADdicts. To test these hypotheses, an international sample of 446 adult volunteers, solicited on the internet, completed a computer use questionnaire which included a 7-item CIAD scale (Anderson, 1999; Goldberg, 1995; Young, 1996a) based on addiction criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders - IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994); the Family Adaptabilty and Cohesion Evaluation Scales II (FACES II; Olson, Bell & Portner, 1992); the Differentiation of Self Inventory (DSI; Skowron & Friedlander, 1998); and a demographic questionnaire.; As predicted, t-tests and a logistical regression analysis showed a significant moderate relationship between CIAD and DS. The association between CIAD and FF was, however, nonsignificant, although significantly lower FF was reported by participants who reported feeling concerned about their CIAD. Consistent with prior research, CIADdicts reported M = 24.92 (SD = 16.67) hours per week of recreational computer/internet use (RCIU), as compared with M = 11.98 hours per week ( SD = 12.24) for nonCIADdicts.; This study also aimed to explicate the construct of CIAD using a series of questions concerning aspects of CIAD not covered by the CIAD scale. Results showed that, compared to nonCIADdicts, CIADdicts reported more weekly hours of RCIU; more work day hours devoted to RCIU (M = 24.92 hours, SD = 16.67); more concerns about the frequency of their RCIU, and a greater decrease in face-to-face social activities. CIADdicts were also more likely to consider themselves “computer/internet addicted.”; The report concludes with a discussion of the methodological limitations of the study, the implications of the findings for practice, and suggestions for future research. |
