iUPi, a new tool to assess problematic internet use

Abstract

Considering that the tests available to assess the problematic internet use in Brazil are adaptations of foreign instruments, this study aimed to develop a Brazilian tool for assessing that construct. Based on the literature and interviews with the target audience, 46 items were elaborated. Semantic and content validity analysis was carried out and three items were excluded. A 43-item test was applied to a sample of 710 people. Parallel analysis and exploratory graph analysis indicated a seven-factor structure as the most plausible and strong correlations between them suggested a high order factor. The results of a second-order confirmatory factor analysis showed that the data fit the proposed structure. The 43 items were distributed in seven specific factors (Neglect of Activities, Abusive Use, Lack of Control, Interpersonal Problems, Reward Effects, Physical Damage, and Abstinence Reactions), which in turn are subordinate to a general factor of problematic internet use. The reliability of all the factors was labeled good. The study concludes that the problematic internet use may have a hierarchical configuration. Considering that this is a preliminary study, further research is needed to confirm the invariance of the structure, using new groups and samples.