Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2: Results of Validation on Polish Sample

Abstract

This study aims to adapt the Problematic Internet Use Scale. The scale of Generalized Problematic Internet Use is an important tool for measuring the intensity of the problem. Widely used in English, Portuguese or Italian, it indicates the importance of the obtained result. Validation of the Polish group will allow to use it in Polish conditions. In order to validate the results, the 523 (516 after data cleaning) group of Internet users was surveyed. The study covered people of Polish origin aged 18-47, 304 women and 212 men. The original tool was translated two times, into Polish and then into English by independent translators. There were conducted Exploratory Factor Analysis that showed five-factor structure, which explained 73.9% of variance; chi 2 /df = 1.21; Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed good fitness of proposed model, chi 2 /df = 1.66, RMSEA = 0.035 and reliability measured by Cronbach alpha was 0.89. The obtained results indicate satisfactory psychometric values of the Polish version of Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2. The conducted validation may contribute to a wider application in the Polish group, also in further research and constitute an important tool for scientific purpose s. Due to the theoretical background of the Problematic Use of the Internet, the adapted questionnaire can be used as well for preventive actions.