Parental Attachment and the Theory of Mind Abilities as Predictors of Internet Addiction in Turkish Adolescents

Background: This study aims to investigate the effects of maternal attachment (MA) and paternal attachment (PA) levels and abilities of reading the mind in the eyes on internet addiction (IA) from a group of Turkish adolescents. Methods: This study was conducted among 900 adolescents between the ages of 14-16. Short Form of Young's Internet Addiction Test (YIAT-SF), Child Form of Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (Eyes Test), Short Form of Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (s-IPPA); and The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) self-report form were used. The independent-sample t-test, chi-square test, Pearson moment product correlation test, and The Binary logistic regression analysis were all used for statistical analysis. Results: 12.7% (n = 111) of the adolescents were in the IA group. YIAT-SF scores were negatively correlated with the Eyes Test and s-IPPA scores. There was a positive correlation between YIAT-SF scores and SDQ problem scores. The Binary regression analysis indicated that the Eyes Test, MA, and PA scores predict being in the IA group. SDQ inattention/hyperactivity, conduct, peer relation, and emotional problem scores and total problem scores were higher in the group with IA compared to the group without IA. Conclusions: Low abilities in reading the mind in the eyes, insecure MA and PA styles are associated with the increased risk of IA in adolescents. Adolescents with IA have higher levels of inattention/ hyperactivity, conduct, peer relation, and emotional problems compared to their peers.