Socio‑psychological determinants of internet addiction risk among adolescents with delayed mental development

Abstract

Introduction. The rapid growth of digital technologies has created a pressing global issue — the risk of internet addiction. Adolescents represent the most active user group of modern technologies and are particularly vulnerable to developing internet-based addictions. However, the mechanisms underlying internet addiction in adolescents with delayed mental development (DMD) remain insufficiently studied. This study examines the socio-psychological traits that increase the risk of internet-addictive behavior in this population.
Materials and Methods. The research integrates theoretical frameworks from both Russian and international psychology on internet addiction in adolescents, including those with normative and impaired development. The sample consisted of 200 participants: 100 adolescents with normative development and 100 with DMD (mean age = 15.2 years). To assess key variables, a battery of psychodiagnostic tools was employed. The Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS; adapted by Malygin et al.) was used to measure internet addiction levels. The Piers — Harris Self-Concept Scale (adapted by Prikhozhan) was used to assess self-concept dimensions. Oryol’s method was applied to assess propensity for deviant behavior. Amirkhan’s Coping Strategy Indicator was used to examine coping mechanisms. Data analysis relied on non-parametric statistical methods. Group comparisons were conducted using the Mann — Whitney U test, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was employed to examine interrelationships among variables.
Results. The study revealed statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of both internet addiction severity and socio-psychological characteristics. Adolescents with DMD demonstrated a markedly higher propensity for internet-addictive behaviors compared to their typically developing peers. They also exhibited more pronounced negative self-assessments across physical, mental, and social domains. Furthermore, this group showed a stronger inclination toward maladaptive coping strategies such as ‘problem avoidance’ and a reduced tendency to engage in adaptive mechanisms like ‘problem solving’. In addition, statistically significant correlations were identified between key indicators of internet addiction and specific socio-psychological traits within the DMD group. The findings suggest that certain personality characteristics may function as predictors of internet addiction among adolescents with DMD.
Conclusions. The findings offer valuable insights for psychologists and educators working with adolescents with DMD and can contribute to the development of targeted diagnostic protocols, preventive measures, and intervention strategies tailored to the needs of this vulnerable population. Future research should focus on examining socio-psychological determinants of internet addiction across diverse adolescent groups with various developmental conditions. Such investigations would enhance understanding of this complex phenomenon and support the creation of more effective assistance systems.