INTERNET ADDICTION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: ASSOCIATIONS WITH ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, STRESS, AND SELF-ESTEEM

Abstract

Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) is becoming an increasing concern for university students, often affecting their emotional and psychological well-being. This study investigates the correlation between IAD and key mental health indicators such as depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem among 120 university students. This study uses validated psychological tools such as Internet Addiction Test, DASS-21, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The finding shows significant correlations: IAD is strongly associated with higher levels of depression (r=0.58) and anxiety (r = 0.48), a weak correlation with stress (r=0.22), and a weak negative correlation with self-esteem (r=-0.28). Inferential statistics support these relationships, with p-values < 0.05 across all mental health variables, indicating statistical significance. Positive t-values for depression (7.75), anxiety (5.99), stress (2.45), and daily internet use (5.24) further emphasize the strength of these associations. Skewness and interquartile range (IQR) analysis suggest that a notable portion of students experience high levels of both IAD and psychological distress. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of digital behaviour and its psychological consequences, highlighting the urgent need for mental health support strategies tailored to the realities of student life.