Psychometric Properties of the Persian Internet Addiction Test-Social Networking Sites Version: Dimensionality Assessment of Social Networking Site Addiction

Yasaman Hashemi; Fariba Zarani; Mahmood Heidari; Khatereh Borhani; Shima Shakiba

doi:10.22122/ahj.v13i2.289

Psychometric Properties of the Persian Internet Addiction Test-Social Networking Sites Version: Dimensionality Assessment of Social Networking Site Addiction

Addict Health. 2021 Apr;13(2):95-105. doi: 10.22122/ahj.v13i2.289.

Authors

Yasaman Hashemi¹, Fariba Zarani¹, Mahmood Heidari¹, Khatereh Borhani², Shima Shakiba³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology, School of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
² Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
³ Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Clinical Psychology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Background: By evaluating the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Internet Addiction Test-Social Networking Sites version (IAT-SNS) in a sample of Iranian university students, this study investigated the dimensionality of SNS addiction for the first time.

Methods: A total of 620 SNS users (414 women) participated in the study. The study questionnaire comprised demographic information, SNS usage patterns, the IAT-SNS, and the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS).

Findings: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified the 3-factor structure of the IAT-SNS, namely 'Lack of Control', 'Emotional and Relational Conflict', and 'Preference for online relationships' that explained 54% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) verified the current model. Problematic users on average exhibited higher scores on the whole IAT-SNS and each of the 3 factors as compared to non-problematic users. The IAT-SNS and its factors showed good internal consistency, and strong convergent and concurrent validity.

Conclusion: The Persian version of the IAT-SNS is valid and reliable, and is applicable for measuring the 3 dimensions of SNS addiction among students.

Keywords: Addictive behavior; Internet addiction disorder; Psychometrics; Social networking; Students.