The mediator role of difficulties in emotion regulation in the relationship between childhood trauma and internet addiction

In this study, the mediating role of difficulties in emotion regulation in the relationship between childhood traumas and internet addiction in university students was examined. The study group of the research consisted of 485 university students. Research data were obtained with Young Internet Addiction Test Short Form, Early Trauma Inventory Short Form, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Brief Form and Personal Information Form. Research data was collected online. The mediating role of difficulties in emotion regulation in the relationship between childhood traumas and internet addiction in university students was measured using structural equation modeling. SPSS 28 and Lisrel 8.80 programs were used for data analysis. According to the results of the research, it was found that difficulties in emotion regulation played a mediating role in the relationship between childhood traumas and internet addiction in university students. In addition, a significant and positive relationship was found between the variables included in the study. It was determined that internet addiction among university students differed significantly according to gender, but does not differ significantly according to age. The findings were discussed in the light of the literature and suggestions were made to researchers, practitioners, parents and policy makers. Keywords: childhood trauma, internet addiction, emotion regulation, difficulties in emotion regulation, university students