Analisi delle relazioni esistenti tra Internet Addiction Disorder ed Intelligenza Emotiva

Although in most cases the use of the Internet does not represent a possible risk of compromising psycho-physical health and quality of life, in other cases, some users may develop real behavioral disorders up to a real and own addiction: Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD). Given the pervasiveness of information technology in contemporary society, it is not easy to draw a picture of the psychological characteristics of Internet users and, above all, it is not possible to say with certainty whether there are predisposing factors capable of underlying the abuse of this tool. Through numerous researches it has been possible to consider how varied the type of Internet user is and how varied the motivations that push each subject to resort to this new reality and to immerse themselves completely in it can be (Cantelmi, Toro, Talli, 2010). Several researches have focused on the study of the heterogeneity of the terms that identify Internet Addiction Disorder, on the definition of diagnostic criteria, on the introduction in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V, (DSM-5). In Internet addiction, as in all behavioral addictions (where there is no toxic agent comparable to the substance that induces physical dependence) it seems important to evaluate the abusive behavior of the subjects in the light of any pre-existing psychological and psychosocial variables (e.g. relationship difficulties , emotional skills, pathogenic and maladaptive beliefs, deficient social situations), or concomitant psychopathologies (for example an obsessional neurosis, a depressive picture). Some Authors (Ha, Yoo and Cho, 2006; Kraut et al., 1998) have underlined the consequences that dysfunctional behaviors have at the relational level and how these are linked to a decrease in involvement in social activities, in addition to other clinical manifestations of psychological type such as anxiety and depression. Other authors (Black et al., 1999) found in a sample of users who exhibited abusive behaviour in the use of the computer, that about half of them also had a personality disorder: the most frequent was borderline disorder. of personality, followed by the antisocial. Furthermore, the dysfunctional use of the Internet has been shown to be correlated with several other psychological problems. Whang, Lee, and Chang (2003) found a significant correlation between the degree of Internet addiction and negative psychological states such as loneliness and compulsive behaviours; Niemz, Griffiths, and Banyard (2005) found an association between pathological use of the Internet and self-esteem; Black, Belsare and Schlosser (1999) investigated the relationship between compulsive computer use and various psychiatric symptoms, as well as general emotional distress. Psychological problems deriving from a dysfunctional use of the Internet can, therefore, represent not only the cause but also a consequence of this behaviour. On the other hand, negative emotional states and emotional dysregulation can also lead to a variety of addictive or compulsive behaviours. Starting from these considerations, a research has been developed aimed at understanding the relationships between the emotional dimension and Internet Addiction Disorder. This work is divided into two sections: the first part examines the theoretical assumptions that characterize emotional intelligence and Internet Addiction Disorder, with particular attention also to the psychological aspects relating to the use of new technologies; the second part analyzes the scientific literature concerning the relationship between emotional intelligence and the use of new technologies. Finally, an experimental research design aimed at detecting any correlations between the two constructs is presented. The aim of this research is not only to highlight the spread of new addictions linked to the use of digital technologies, but the need for an integrated vision of a phenomenon characterized by a multiplicity of factors that inevitably influence the quality of life and well-being psychological of individuals.