Predictors of untreated remission of Internet Use Disorder in a sample of adolescents and young adults

Background 

Several longitudinal studies available to date - particularly in samples of adolescents - indicate both persistence and remission in the presence of Internet Use Disorder. Little is known with regard to predictors in adolescents and young adults that favor or impede remission. 

Methods

The present study is based on retrospective findings from an intervention study on Internet Use Disorders (iPIN study). The sample consists of vocational school students aged 16 to 30 (n = 417) who had suffered from an Internet Use Disorder in the course of their lives. Participants who were diagnosed with an Internet Use Disorder in the past year based on modified DSM-5 clinical criteria during a diagnostic interview were assigned to a persistence group, while those without a current diagnosis were considered remitted. Established questionnaires were used to collect variables whose explanatory value for predicting remission was determined based on a logistic regression analysis.

Results

The severity of the disorder and rumination as a maladaptive emotion regulation strategy were significant negative predictors of remission. A strong sense of coherence increased the probability of remission in a statistically significant way. There was also a statistical tendency for men to be more likely to remit than women. The relevance of personality traits for the remission of Internet use disorders was observed for the first time, with conscientiousness and extraversion proving to be negative predictors.

Conclusions

While conscientiousness is considered a protective factor for the development of Internet use disorder, a negative correlation was found for their remission. Based on the present findings, the early teaching of emotional, behavioral and cognitive strategies appears to be relevant for individuals affected. Longitudinal studies are needed to uncover further influential predictors and to gain an understanding of the full picture of remission in Internet Use Disorders.