Gender Differences in the Influence of Time Spent Online on Early Maladaptive Schemas and Life Satisfaction: Internet addiction as a mediator

Purpose The present study investigated the contribution of internet addiction (IA) as a mediator in the relationships between time spent online on early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and life satisfaction (LS) among a sample of Iranian adults. Methods The sample comprised 489 Iranian adults aged 19 to 62 years who completed an online survey . The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with AMOS 26.0. Results The results confirmed the positive effect of time spent online on EMSs and IA and the negative effect of time spent online on LS. IA was positively associated with EMSs, which in turn, were negatively associated with LS. EMSs were also negatively related to LS. Further analyses showed that the relationship between time spent on online activities and EMSs and IA was higher among males. Conclusion The findings highlight a direct and indirect association between time spent online and IA in enhancing EMSs and diminishing LS among adults. The present study suggests consideration of the gender-specific components in the development and implementation of Internet addiction prevention programs.