Adolescent computer use: Approach, avoidance, and parental control

Abstract

The nature and extent of computer use in an Australian regional sample of adolescents was examined in relation to individual characteristics and parental control. High engagement with computers, problematic use of computers, and the use of computers for different purposes were related to general behavioural tendencies of approach and avoidance represented by the behavioural inhibition system (BIS)/behavioural activation system (BAS) measures and to measures of parental control provided by the Parental Bonding Instrument. Results indicated that age, gender, and the BIS/BAS measures were useful constructs in explaining variation in computer use generally, and in explaining the diversity of reasons for computer use. Parental control was only weakly related to outcome behaviours. It was concluded that problematic computer use and hours spent at the computer show some similarities with substance use except for the strength of the relationships and the role of the BIS.