Research Catalog

Title

A review of research on problematic internet use and well-being : with recommendations for the U.S. Air Force / Joshua Breslau, Eyal Aharoni, Eric R. Pedersen, Laura L. Miller.

Author

Breslau, Joshua,

Publication

Santa Monica, Calif. : RAND Corporation, [2015]

Items in the Library & Off-site

Holdings

Details

Additional Authors

• Aharoni, Eyal,
• Miller, Laura L., 1967-
• Pedersen, Eric R.,
• Project Air Force (U.S.)

Description

xiv, 43 pages; 28 cm

Summary

This report reviews the scientific literature on the epidemiology, prevention, and treatment of problematic Internet use (PIU) with the goal of informing Air Force policies aimed at mitigating PIU's negative impact on operations and the mental health of Airmen. The report is motivated by a recent RAND study estimating that 6 percent of Airmen have PIU. Individuals with PIU, similar to people with substance addictions, suffer from excessive and compulsive online activities, symptoms of tolerance and withdrawal, and functional impairment. PIU is also strongly associated with other mental health problems including major depression. However, at present there is no single accepted definition of PIU, and no up-to-date estimates of the prevalence of PIU in the general U.S. population are available. A range of prevention and treatment approaches have been developed, but none has been rigorously tested in clinical trials. Prevention programs rely on workplace Internet policies and strategies to help individuals self-regulate their Internet use. Treatment approaches that have proven feasible and acceptable to patients with PIU include adaptations of cognitive-behavioral therapy, an evidence-based treatment for depression and anxiety, to the specific symptoms of PIU. Based on our findings, we recommend: (1) increasing awareness of PIU among organizational leadership and mental health professionals, (2) incorporating content related to PIU into existing trainings related to mental health, (3) providing support for self-regulation of Internet use on the job by incorporating PIU management principles into Internet use policies, and (4) continuing monitoring of the emerging scientific literature on PIU.

Subject

• Behavior, Addictive
• Internet
• Internet addiction > Treatment
• Internet addiction
• United States
• United States Air Force
• United States. Air Force > Mental health

Genre/Form

Review

Note

• "Research report."
• "RAND Project Air Force."
• "RR-849-AF."--Cover page 4.

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (pages 30-43).

Processing Action (note)

• committed to retain

ISBN

• 0833088246
• 9780833088246

Owning Institutions

Harvard Library