Desregulación emocional en relación con el uso problemático de internet en jóvenes de Pachuca, Hidalgo, México

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between emotional dysregulation and problematic internet use, as well as to examine the predictive capacity of emotional dysregulation, among university students in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico. A quantitative study with a cross-sectional design and correlational scope was conducted using a convenience sample of 173 university students aged 18 to 25. Data collection involved the administration of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-EAM) and the Internet Addiction Test (TAI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression. The results showed a positive and significant relationship between emotional dysregulation and problematic internet use, r(171) = .338, p < .001. Furthermore, the regression model was significant, F(1,171) = 22.096, p < .001, with R² = .114 and β = .338, p < .001, indicating that emotional dysregulation explained 11.4% of the variance in problematic internet use. The findings support the proposed hypotheses and provide evidence regarding the relationship between these two variables in a Mexican university population. These results highlight the importance of considering emotional processes when studying problematic digital behaviors among university students.