Effects of Compulsive Internet Use on Health Anxiety: A Mediation Model

Abstract

Abstract To gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing health anxiety, this paper proposes a moderated mediating model to explore the interrelationships among compulsive Internet use, intolerance of uncertainty, information avoidance, and health anxiety. By analyzing these variables within the proposed framework, we aim to shed light on the complex dynamics that contribute to health anxiety. Methods: This study included 239 randomly selected undergraduates. We used the Whiteley Index, Information Avoidance questionnaire, Compulsive Internet Use Scale, and Uncertainty Intolerance Questionnaire to comprehensively assess their behaviors and attitudes. Results: (a) The study revealed a positive association between compulsive internet use and health anxiety. (b) Intolerance of uncertainty was identified as a mediator in the relationship between compulsive Internet use and health anxiety. (c) Information avoidance does not mediate the effects of compulsive internet use and intolerance of uncertainty on health anxiety; instead, it directly contributes to increased levels of health anxiety. Conclusion: Compulsive internet use predicts and exacerbates health anxiety by increasing individuals' intolerance of uncertainty. Information avoidance directly exacerbates health anxiety. Effective interventions should focus on reducing compulsive internet use, enhancing tolerance for uncertainty, and addressing information avoidance tendencies to alleviate health anxiety. These findings provide valuable theoretical support for targeted health anxiety interventions.