Internet Use and Mental Health in Older Chinese Teachers During COVID-19
Author Information
Author(s): Chen Xiu-Mei, Wang Li-Feng, Liao Xiao-Ling, Wang Shuai, Yang Lan, Chen I-Hua
Primary Institution: Shandong Youth University of Political Science
Hypothesis
The study investigates the relationship between problematic internet use (PIU) and psychological distress among older teachers during different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion
The study confirmed a high prevalence of PIU among older school teachers and its detrimental effects on their psychological wellbeing.
Supporting Evidence
- 27.4% of older teachers reported problematic internet use in 2020.
- 27.4% of older teachers reported problematic internet use in 2021.
- 24.5% of older teachers reported problematic internet use in 2022.
- Fear of COVID-19 was significantly associated with both PIU and psychological distress.
- PIU was significantly associated with psychological distress across all studies.
Takeaway
Older teachers used the internet a lot during the pandemic, which made them feel more stressed and unhappy.
Methodology
Three cross-sectional studies were conducted over three years, involving surveys of older teachers to assess PIU and psychological distress.
Potential Biases
Self-report measures may be subject to response biases.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and the sample may not be fully representative of all older teachers in China.
Participant Demographics
Participants were older teachers aged 40-60, with a gender distribution of approximately 50% male and 50% female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
[0.309, 0.422]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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