The Association between Internet Addiction and Suicide Ideation: Comparison between Soldiers and College Students in Taiwan

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: To explore the association between Internet addiction and suicide ideation, we introduced the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide as a potential model to understand Internet addiction and suicidality. In addition, we intended to identify differences between genders and between subgroups of soldier and student in this association. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey study of 661 participants, comprising military personnel (n = 399, 60.36%) and college students (n = 262, 39.64%). Several copies of anonymous questionnaire were used to assess variables, including Internet addiction, anxiety, depression, perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, acquired capability for suicide, and suicide ideation. Results: We found that 18% of participants (119 out of 661) met the criteria for Internet addiction. Internet addiction was significantly associated with higher anxiety (p < 0.001), significantly more severe depression (p < 0.001), significantly more perceived burdensomeness (p < 0.001), and significantly more perceived suicidal ideation (p < 0.001). Significant differences in study participants existed in genders (p < 0.001) and between the soldier and student groups (p < 0.001). In regression analyses, we found general associations between specific facets of Internet addiction, for example, compulsive use, and components of the interpersonal theory and thwarted belongingness of suicide. Conclusion: Internet addiction is linked to worse mental health and suicidality. Understanding the connections between Internet addiction and models such as the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide can inform prevention and treatment approaches for vulnerable groups.