Relationship Between Depression And Pathological Internet Use Among University Students In Kenya

ABSTRACT

There has been a rapid growth in internet use in Kenya. University students are the highest users of internet in the country. This puts them at risk of becoming pathological internet users. Pathological internet use has also been found to have negative consequences on the individuals. These include problematic social relationships, poor academic performance and psychological disturbance. Studies in other countries have associated increased levels of pathological internet use among individuals who are depressed. However, in Kenya, pathological internet use and its relationship with depression has not been established among university students. The current study sought to establish the relationship between depression and pathological internet use among university students in Kenya. The study was based on Davis’s Cognitive Behavioral Model of Pathological Internet Use. The study used correlational design to establish the relationship between the variables. The target population was all university students in Kenya. Random sampling was used to sample students from one public university and one private university in Kenya. A total of 400 respondents participated in the study. Young’s Internet Addiction Test and Beck Depression Inventory were adapted in the questionnaire to measure pathological internet use and depression respectively. Percentages and measures of central tendency were used to describe the data. The findings revealed a prevalence of 16.8% of pathological internet use and a prevalence of 23.6% of depression. Independent samples T-test was used to test for differences in pathological internet use between male and female students. The findings revealed that female students were likely to be pathological internet users compared to male students. Pearson’s product moment correlation was used to establish the relationship between depression and pathological internet use and it was found that a weak positive relationship existed between depression and pathological internet use. The study also identified various measures that could be used to mitigate the problem of pathological internet use. Based on the findings, it was concluded that there was need to identify and help the affected students exercise moderation and self control when using the internet in order for them to achieve their lifetime goals. The findings of the study also provide empirical evidence on the gender differences in depression and pathological internet use which may be useful in improving counseling interventions for university students.