The Mediating Role of Internet Addiction in the Relationship Between Self-Control and Aggression in Individuals with Anxiety Disorders

Purpose: The objective of this study was to examine the mediating role of internet addiction in the relationship between self-control and aggression among individuals diagnosed with anxiety disorders.   Methodology: This cross-sectional study involved ۲۲۰ individuals diagnosed with anxiety disorders, selected through purposive convenience sampling from psychiatric clinics in Tehran in ۲۰۲۳. The primary data were collected using three standardized questionnaires: Young's Internet Addiction Questionnaire (۲۰۰۹), Buss and Perry's Aggression Questionnaire (۱۹۹۲), and Tangney's Self-Control Scale (۲۰۰۴). The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) via AMOS software version ۲۳ to assess the direct and indirect effects of self-control on aggression, with internet addiction as the mediator.   Findings: The results indicated a significant negative direct effect of self-control on aggression (β = -۰.۲۲, p = ۰.۰۰۸) and on internet addiction (β = -۰.۲۹, p = ۰.۰۰۱). Additionally, a significant positive direct effect of internet addiction on aggression was observed (β = ۰.۴۶, p = ۰.۰۰۱). The mediation analysis confirmed that internet addiction significantly mediated the relationship between self-control and aggression, indicating that individuals with lower self-control were more likely to develop internet addiction, which in turn increased their levels of aggression.   Conclusion: The findings suggest that internet addiction plays a crucial mediating role in the relationship between self-control and aggression in individuals with anxiety disorders. Interventions targeting internet addiction and enhancing self-control may be effective strategies for reducing aggression in this population. These results underscore the importance of a holistic approach in treating anxiety disorders, addressing both self-regulatory capacities and maladaptive coping mechanisms.

Keywords:

Internet addiction , aggression , self-control , anxiety