A review of research on problematic internet use and well-being with recommendations for the U.S. Air Force

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 rece...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Breslau, Joshua, Aharoni, Eyal (Author), Pedersen, Eric R. (Author), Miller, Laura L. (Author)
Format: eBook
Language:English
Published: Santa Monica, Calif. RAND Corporation [2015]©2015, 2015
Series:Research report
Subjects:
Online Access:
Collection: JSTOR Open Access Books - Collection details see MPG.ReNa
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245 0 0 |a A review of research on problematic internet use and well-being  |h Elektronische Ressource  |b with recommendations for the U.S. Air Force  |c Joshua Breslau, Eyal Aharoni, Eric R. Pedersen, Laura L. Miller 
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505 0 |a Ch. One Introduction -- Methodology -- Organization of This Report -- ch. Two Understanding the Emerging Science of PIU -- How Is PIU Defined? -- How Is PIU Measured? -- How Common Is PIU? -- What Factors Are Associated with PIU? -- What Are the Consequences of PIU? -- An Integrated Model of PIU -- Conclusion -- ch. Three Prevention and Treatment Strategies -- Prevention Strategies -- Self-Regulation -- Workplace Internet Policies -- Cyberwellness Prevention Programs -- Treatment Strategies -- Overview of Treatment Studies -- Psychological Interventions -- Pharmacological Interventions -- Support Groups -- Specialized Outpatient and Inpatient Treatment Centers -- Trainings for Providers in PIU Treatment Strategies -- Applicability of Internet-Based Treatment Approaches -- Conclusion -- ch. Four Implications and Recommendations -- Conclusions and Recommendations for Air Force Approaches to PIU as the Science Develops -- Qualitative Exploration to Understand PIU in the Military Setting -- Quantitative Assessment to Track Prevalence and Associated Indicators of Well-Being -- Conclusion 
653 |a Internet addiction 
653 |a Compulsive behavior 
653 |a COMPUTERS / Internet / General 
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700 1 |a Pedersen, Eric R.  |e [author] 
700 1 |a Miller, Laura L.  |e [author] 
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520 |a 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.