Psychometric Evaluation of the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 in an Italian sample

The 15-item Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2, Caplan, 2010) is one of the few theory-driven instruments to measure problematic Internet use (PIU). Since PIU has emerged in several cultural contexts, it seems relevant to evaluate the psychometric properties of the scale across various cultures. The aim of the present study is to test the psychometric properties (i.e. dimensionality, reliability, and validity) of the Italian version of the GPIUS2. The sample consisted of 371 participants (128 male and 243 female). Ages ranged from 14 to 33 (M = 18.07 years old, SD = 5.58). The GPIUS2 and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT, Young, 1998) were administered individually in both high school and college classes. With regards to scale dimensionality, the best fit measurement model includes four first-order factors: preference for online social interaction, mood regulation, deficient self-regulation, and negative outcomes (S-Bχ2/df = 2,27; CFI = .94; TLI = .93; RMSEA = .05). With regard to reliability, internal consistency Cronbach’s Alpha ranged from .78 to .89. Convergent validity is demonstrated with significant correlations between GPIUS2 (total score and all the subscale scores) and IAT score. Results showed that GPIUS2 scores significantly discriminated between high school and undergraduate students. The overall findings of the present study provide evidence that the Italian version of the GPIUS2 appears to be an adequate measure of GPIU cognitions, behaviors, and outcomes. Suggestions for further research are provided.