The Relationship Between Internet Addiction, Depression, Circadian Preferences and Coping Methods

Abstract

Introduction: Internet addiction (IA) is a clinical phenomenon characterized by excessive and compulsive internet use, which impairs daily functioning and is often accompanied by withdrawal and tolerance symptoms when access is limited. IA adversely affe cts quality of life and mental well-being. Recent studies have shown a strong association between IA and psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to examine the relationship between internet addiction, depression, circadian preferences, and coping strategies. Materials and Methods: The study included 200 healthy volunteers. Participants completed the Sociodemographic Information Form, Young Internet Addiction Test-Short Form (YIAT-SF), Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: A statistically significant correlation was found between total scores on the Young Internet Addiction Test-Short Form (YIAT-SF) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Regarding coping strategies assessed through the COPE Inventory, individuals with higher internet addiction scores were found to use certain maladaptive strategies significantly more frequently, including mental disengagement, denial, humor, behavioral disengagement, restraint-coping, substance use, and acceptance. Furthermore, individuals classified as moderate evening type exhibited significantly higher YIAT-SF scores compared to all other chronotypes. Conclusion: This study highlights the role of chronotype and coping strategies in the psychological effects of internet addiction. Individuals with a moderate evening chronotype and those using maladaptive coping methods appear to be at greater risk. Addressing these factors may be critical for developing targeted preventive and therapeutic interventions. © 2025, Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Tip Fakultesi. All rights reserved.