Examining the validity of the short problematic internet use test among adults and the link with impairment of executive functions and well-being: a cross-sectional study

The Internet is widely used in daily life. Nevertheless, excessive and inappropriate use may contribute to the development of Problematic Internet Use (PIU), which has several adverse consequences. In light of this, developing reliable tools for evaluating internet usage patterns is suitable. The Short Problematic Internet Use Test (SPIUT) is a 5-point Likert scale validated among Italian adolescents but not among adults. It has been shown to be reliable and suitable for assessment in non-clinical populations. Therefore, this study aimed at to validate the Italian version of the SPIUT among adults (18–84 years old) and also to examine putative associations between PIU and executive functioning and well-being. Data were collected from 5,160 Italian adults aged 18–84 through the Italian Population Survey on Alcohol and other Drugs (IPSAD®), a representative cross-sectional study. Principal Component Analysis and Multiple Correspondence Analysis were carried out to investigate the psychometric properties of the SPIUT. The results indicated a good reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.810). Additionally, Structural Equation Modelling was performed as a confirmatory factor analysis, revealing that SPIUT scores correlated with executive functions impairment (working memory and inhibition) and with low well-being. Therefore, the SPIUT can be considered a reliable and valid instrument for assessing PIU in non-clinical adult populations (18–84 years old). Due to its brevity, the SPIUT could serve as an effective tool for PIU assessment in various contexts while potential methodological issues such as sampling bias. Furthermore, the present findings provide insight into the relationship between PIU, executive functioning, and well-being.