The Mediating Role of Self-Control and Goal Striving in the Relationship Between Need Satisfaction, Life Goals and Internet Addiction

Abstract

This study examined the mediating role of self-control and goal striving in the relationship between need satisfaction, life goals and Internet addiction. A total number of 320 university students participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed the Need Satisfaction Scale, The Scale of Setting Life Goals with Respect to Positive Psychotherapy, Brief Self-Control Scale, Goal Striving Scale, Internet Addiction Test and Personal Information Form. Structural equation modeling and bootstrapping were used to test the hypothesized model. Structural equation modeling results provide evidence for indirect effects of need satisfaction on Internet addiction fully mediated by self-control and goal striving. Besides, goal striving and self-control fully mediated the relationship between life goals and Internet addiction. The findings emphasized the role of self-control and goal striving in explaining the relationship between life goals, need satisfaction and Internet addiction. The findings of the research were discussed in the light of the literature and research, and suggestions were presented.