Internet addiction, dissociation and alexithymia

Objective: The aim of this research was to study the association between dissociation, alexithymia, adult attachment, and Internet addiction. Methods: A group of 335 students aged between 18 and 21 years (151 boys, 184 girls) were investigated. Alexithymia, dissociation, attachment styles, and Internet addiction were assessed using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 Items, Dissociation Experiences Scale, Relational Questionnaire, and Internet Use, Abuse, Dependence. Results: Significant correlations exist between IUAD, alexithymia, and dissociation. In addition, both non-alexithymia and non-dissociation were related more often with secure attachment style. Conclusions: Internet addiction could represent a psychic retreat necessary to modulate the painful emotions in subject with an insecure attachment. © 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.