Effects of Self-efficacy and Self-control on Internet Addiction in Middle School Students: A Social Cognitive Theory-Driven Focus on the Mediating Influence of Social Support

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate internet addiction among middle school students and to examine the mediating effects of social support in the relationships of self-efficacy and self-control with internet addiction. METHODS: The participants in the study were 119 middle school students in J city. The measurements included a self-efficacy scale, a self-control scale, a social support scale, and the Internet Addiction Scale for Youth. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, one-way analysis of variance, the Scheffé test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple-regression using SPSS version 22.0. Mediation effects were analyzed by the Sobel test and Baron and Kenny's hierarchical analysis technique. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found among self-efficacy, self-control, and internet addiction. Social support had partial mediating effects in the relationship between self-efficacy and internet addiction, as well as in the relationship between self-control and internet addition. CONCLUSION: In order to prevent internet addiction, the promotion of interactions among peers, which is a component of social support, is particularly important. It is also necessary to promote face-to-face activities that can strengthen relationships. The findings suggest that intensifying social support may help reduce the level of internet addiction in middle school students.