Croatian validation of the Compulsive Internet Use Scale

Psychometric Validation of the Compulsive Internet Use Scale in Spanish Adolescents

“…Consistent with previous studies, the CIUS demonstrated an essentially unidimensional internal structure (see e.g., Dhir et al, 2015; Downing et al, 2014; Fernandes et al, 2021; Jovičić-Burić et al, 2021; Khazaal et al, 2011, 2012; Meerkerk et al, 2009; Sarmiento et al, 2021; Wartberg et al, 2014; Yong et al, 2017). More specifically, a confirmatory factor analysis indicated the best fit for a unidimensional structure with five correlated errors (Items 1 and 2; 6 and 7; 8 and 9; 12 and 13; 3 and 8).…”

“…An item could only be removed from those pairs exhibiting very similar substantive content and very strong correlations (such as items 12 and 13; r = .813), with very similar ICCs. The strong correlations between Items 1 and 2 (difficulty stopping using the Internet), 6 and 7 (thinking about using the Internet), 8 and 9 (using the Internet less frequently or spending less time on the Internet), 12 and 13 (using the Internet when feeling depressed or to escape negative feelings) have been reported previously (Cartierre et al, 2011; Gmel et al, 2019; Guertler, Broda, et al, 2014; Jovičić-Burić et al, 2021; Meerkerk et al, 2009). Additionally, in line with our results, Jovičić-Burić et al (2021) found a correlation between Items 3 and 8, which assess the reduction in Internet use, whether recommended by others or by oneself.…”

“…Looking at the reliability of the CIUS, the scale demonstrated excellent values in terms of both classical test theory (a = .94; v = .94) and IRT, which means that it has adequate precision over all the ability levels, with particular caution being advised when evaluating adolescents with very low CIUS scores. The scale provides a slightly higher level of internal consistency than other validations (see e.g., Dhir et al, 2015;Downing et al, 2014;Jovicˇic´-Buric´et al, 2021;Khazaal et al, 2011Khazaal et al, , 2012Lo´pez-Ferna´ndez et al, 2019;Meerkerk et al, 2009;Sarmiento et al, 2021). In addition, the discriminatory power of each item was very high, both discrimination indices ( ø .669) and the IRT parameter a ( ø 1.66).…”

“…The scale evaluates five characteristics of addictions, namely withdrawal symptoms, preoccupation, loss of control, conflict, and coping. It has been translated to many languages and validated in a wide range of countries, all of which confirmed a unifactorial structure (see e.g., Dhir et al, 2015; Downing et al, 2014; Fernandes et al, 2021; Jovičić-Burić et al, 2021; Khazaal et al, 2011, 2012; Meerkerk et al, 2009; Sarmiento et al, 2021; Wartberg et al, 2014; Yong et al, 2017).…”

“…The only attempt to validate the CIUS in a Spanish population included a heterogeneous, non-representative convenience sample of Spaniards, Mexicans, and Colombians aged between 15 and 30 years old (Sarmiento et al, 2021). In addition, very few studies validating the CIUS have been conducted in adolescents (i.e., under 18 years old; Dhir et al, 2015; Gmel et al, 2019; Jovičić-Burić et al, 2021; Wartberg et al, 2014), a population with a higher prevalence of problematic internet use. Furthermore, to our knowledge, no previous studies have examined the discriminative capacity of CIUS with other addictive behaviors in adolescents.…”