Design and validation of the new technologies problematic use questionnaire.

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to develop and validate an instrument to assess the problematic use of new technologies (NT) in youth and adolescents. After the pilot study, an initial questionnaire of 35 items was developed. The questionnaire was applied to a sample of 2747 students from 5th grade to 5th university degree. Results from the analysis of reliability (Cronbach Alpha) point in all cases (full scale and subscales) values higher than .70. The appropriate analyses were conducted to establish convergent, clinical and construct validity. The final results point to the convenience to reducing the questionnaire to 26 items. The factorial structure point to seven factors, one for each considered NT (Internet, video games, mobile and television), plus other three, which grouped similar behaviour in the various NT. The suitability of the questionnaire is discusses.