Impact of Adverse Childhood Experience on Internet Addiction: The Mediating Role of Depression and Anxiety among University Students

Background: In contemporary times, addiction encompasses not just the dependency on chemicals or substances, but also extends to behavioral addictions such as internet use, smartphone dependence, and gambling. Therefore, identifying risk factors associated with Internet addiction (IA) becomes crucial. Recently, scholars and researchers have turned their attention to understanding how adverse childhood experience (ACE) increase the likelihood of developing IA. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the relationship between ACE and IA in university students, with a specific focus on exploring the mediating roles played by depression and anxiety. Materials and Methods: The current research employed a cross-sectional design utilizing a retrospective approach, with a sample of 244 university students, inclusive of both genders, aged between 18 and 25 years, recruited from Karnataka using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected through an online Google form which included a set of standardized tools, including the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale; Childhood Trauma Questionnaire – Short Form (CTQ-SF-28); IA test-20. Statistical Analysis: Hypotheses were tested using the Pearson correlation coefficient and Hayes PROCESS Macro Model 4 to assess the mediating role of depression and anxiety in the relationship between ACE and IA. All analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0. Results: The findings revealed IA displayed a significant positive relationship with ACE ( r = 0.404, P < 0.001), depression ( r = 0.452, P < 0.001), and anxiety ( r = 0.402, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the outcomes of the mediation analysis demonstrated that ACE significantly influenced IA both directly and indirectly through depression and Anxiety. This finding suggests significant partial mediation. Conclusion: The findings hold implications for both preventive interventions and therapeutic strategies targeting the multifaceted nature of IA in the context of ACE.