Research Article

Digital Reflection of Emotional Burden: The Mediating Role of Behavioral Problems Between Internalizing Problems and Internet Addiction

Volume: 23 Number: 2 August 26, 2026
TR EN

Digital Reflection of Emotional Burden: The Mediating Role of Behavioral Problems Between Internalizing Problems and Internet Addiction

Abstract

This study examines the mediating role of behavioral problems in the relationship between internalizing problems and internet addiction among adolescents. The research was conducted within a predictive correlational model with 272 adolescents (54.8% female, 45.2% male) aged between 13 and 18. Data were collected using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Young Internet Addiction Scale-Short Form. Mediation analysis with 10,000 bootstrap resamples revealed that internalizing problems significantly and positively predicted internet addiction (β = .21) and behavioral problems (β = .49). Behavioral problems also emerged as a strong predictor of internet addiction (β = .33). Most notably, when behavioral problems were included in the model, the direct effect of internalizing problems on internet addiction became non-significant (β = .05, p = .457), while the indirect effect remained significant (β = .16). These findings demonstrate that behavioral problems play a full mediating role between internalizing problems and internet addiction. The research highlights the necessity of holistic intervention strategies that address both emotional and behavioral processes in combating internet addiction among adolescents.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Psychological Counseling and Guidance (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

August 26, 2026

Submission Date

May 26, 2026

Acceptance Date

August 3, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 23 Number: 2

APA
Tanhan, F. (2026). Digital Reflection of Emotional Burden: The Mediating Role of Behavioral Problems Between Internalizing Problems and Internet Addiction. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 23(2), 572-586. https://doi.org/10.33711/yyuefd.1958535
AMA
1.Tanhan F. Digital Reflection of Emotional Burden: The Mediating Role of Behavioral Problems Between Internalizing Problems and Internet Addiction. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026;23(2):572-586. doi:10.33711/yyuefd.1958535
Chicago
Tanhan, Fuat. 2026. “Digital Reflection of Emotional Burden: The Mediating Role of Behavioral Problems Between Internalizing Problems and Internet Addiction”. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 23 (2): 572-86. https://doi.org/10.33711/yyuefd.1958535.
EndNote
Tanhan F (August 1, 2026) Digital Reflection of Emotional Burden: The Mediating Role of Behavioral Problems Between Internalizing Problems and Internet Addiction. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 23 2 572–586.
IEEE
[1]F. Tanhan, “Digital Reflection of Emotional Burden: The Mediating Role of Behavioral Problems Between Internalizing Problems and Internet Addiction”, Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 572–586, Aug. 2026, doi: 10.33711/yyuefd.1958535.
ISNAD
Tanhan, Fuat. “Digital Reflection of Emotional Burden: The Mediating Role of Behavioral Problems Between Internalizing Problems and Internet Addiction”. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 23/2 (August 1, 2026): 572-586. https://doi.org/10.33711/yyuefd.1958535.
JAMA
1.Tanhan F. Digital Reflection of Emotional Burden: The Mediating Role of Behavioral Problems Between Internalizing Problems and Internet Addiction. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026;23:572–586.
MLA
Tanhan, Fuat. “Digital Reflection of Emotional Burden: The Mediating Role of Behavioral Problems Between Internalizing Problems and Internet Addiction”. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 23, no. 2, Aug. 2026, pp. 572-86, doi:10.33711/yyuefd.1958535.
Vancouver
1.Fuat Tanhan. Digital Reflection of Emotional Burden: The Mediating Role of Behavioral Problems Between Internalizing Problems and Internet Addiction. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026 Aug. 1;23(2):572-86. doi:10.33711/yyuefd.1958535