The Influence of Stress on Internet Addiction: Mediating Effects of Self-Control and Mindfulness

This study attempted to demonstrate how mindfulness and self-control mediate the relationship between stress and Internet addiction. Additionally, the study attempted to determine the role of mindfulness in developing self-control, which may lower the risk for Internet addiction. A strong positive correlation was observed between stress and Internet addiction. Mindfulness was negatively correlated with stress and Internet addiction, and was positively correlated with self-control. Further, self-control was negatively correlated with stress and Internet addiction. Thus, mindfulness and self-control were found to partially mediate the relationship between stress and Internet addiction. Stress had a direct effect on Internet addiction, but both mindfulness and self-control mediated this relationship. Moreover, mindfulness demonstrated a dual mediating effect on Internet addiction by enhancing self-control, thereby lowering the risk of Internet addiction. This study is significant because it confirms that positive psychological factors-mindfulness and self-control-can lower stress levels, which in turn, may reduce the likelihood of Internet addiction.