Relationship between Depression and Pathological Internet Use among University Students

Abstract

This study sought to establish the relationship between depression and pathological internet use (PIU) among university students in Kenya. The study used correlational design to establish the relationship between the variables. The target population was university students in Kenya. Convenience sampling was used to sample students from one public university and one private university. A total of 400 respondents participated in the study. Young’s Internet Addiction Test and Beck Depression Inventory were adapted to measure PIU and depression, respectively. The findings revealed a prevalence of 16.8% of PIU and a prevalence of 23.6% of depression. The findings also revealed that female students were likely to be pathological internet users compared to male students. 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 academic and lifetime goals.