BACKGROUND: While the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and problematic internet use (PIU) among adolescents has been established, evidence on the role of specific ACE dimensions remains limited.
OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the impact of two ACE dimensions, i.e., threat and deprivation, on adolescent PIU, and examined the potential moderating role of gender in these associations.
PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: This cross-sectional analysis engaged 6714 adolescents aged 11-20 years. Six threat-related ACEs and six deprivation-related ACEs were collected through self-reported questionnaires. Adolescent PIU was assessed using the Young's Diagnostic Questionnaire (YDQ). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the associations of threat- and deprivation-related ACEs with PIU. Stratified analyses and interaction tests were also conducted to explore the potential moderating role of gender.
RESULTS: Among the adolescents, 52.2 % were boys, with an average age of 14.5 (standard deviation: 1.6) years. Approximately 16.5 % of adolescents exhibited PIU. Compared to those without the respective ACE exposure, adolescents experiencing either threat- or deprivation-related ACEs had an increased likelihood of PIU (odds ratio [OR]: 4.33, 95 % CI: 3.60-5.221.66 for ≥2 threat-related ACEs; OR: 1.38, 95 % CI: 1.14-1.66 for ≥2 deprivation-related ACEs). Gender was not a significant moderator in the association between either ACE dimension and PIU.
CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that addressing ACEs in adolescents, particularly threat-related ACEs, may be beneficial in promoting healthy internet use among adolescents. Further research is warranted to understand the underlying mechanisms and to inform targeted strategies for reducing PIU based on specific ACE dimensions.
