ABSTRACT
Context: There is an increasing prevalence of internet addiction among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, but very few Indian studies have assessed and taken into account various factors that can explain internet addiction in this vulnerable population. Aims: We examine the differences in family functioning, temperament, character and psychopathology in adolescents with and without internet addiction. Settings and Design: 1000 adolescents from urban middle-class families were included in this cross-sectional, two-randomized-group designed, comparative study. Clinical and control group population were selected from high schools. Those with severe internet addiction were compared to those with no addiction. Methods and Materials: Internet Addiction Test, Temperament and Character Inventory, Devereux Scale of Mental Disorders and McMaster Family Assessment Device were administered along with General Health and CRAFFT Questionnaire as screening tool. Statistical Analysis Used: Mann-Whitney U test was done along with Spearman's rank-difference coefficient of correlation. Result: Adolescents with internet addiction had high novelty seeking and low persistence. Internet addiction was also associated with conduct problems and depression. There was a significant positive association between depression and years of internet usage. Family of adolescents with internet addiction had increased difficulty in problem solving, communication, affective responsiveness, affective involvement and behavior control. Conclusion: Adolescents with internet addiction have temperament difficulties, more psychopathology and belong to dysfunctional families. Since the family plays a central role in an Indian context, family-focused strategies must also be included in the management of internet addiction.
ABSTRACT
Context: The COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdown are affecting business entrepreneurs and service sector individuals emotionally and financially. Aims: To assess financial stress and its impact on quality of life (QOL) and overall stress amongst business entrepreneurs and service employees. To explore the protective effects of existential thinking and positive coping styles and compare the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). Settings and Design: 1000 businessmen and service employees between 18-60 years were included in this cross sectional, randomized group design comparative study. Methods and Materials: Covid 19 Fear Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Financial Stress Scale, WHO QOL Scale, Brief Cope, Existential Concern Questionnaire, Existential thinking Scale were administered. Forty people from each group were randomly allocated to weekly group sessions of ACT or CBT. Statistical analysis: ANOVA, ANCOVA, Independent sample and paired t tests, Hierarchical correlation. Result: Financial stress was higher in businessmen. QOL was higher among serviceholders. Financial stress had positive association with Covid fear, low per capita income, avoidance coping. QOL had negative association with perceived stress, existential concerns. ACT was more effective than CBT. Conclusion: There is significant difference in financial stress and QOL between businessmen and serviceholders. Psychotherapy is an effective intervention.