Study addiction and satisfaction with intimate relationships among undergraduate students
Wygłosiła: Julia Godzwon
Na: 25th International Student Scienitific Conference
Introduction: Study addiction has been conceptualized as a potential early form of work addiction which is a subject of research for several decades now.
This addiction is understood as a result of ineffective coping strategy in vulnerable individuals, consistent with previous research on addiction. Longitudinal research showed that study addiction is related to work addiction and shows similar temporal stability. Both show alike symptoms and have comparable prevalence rates. Good quality intimate relationships are recognized as a protective factor against stress and addiction. Previous studies showed that work addicts lead a problematic family and social life.
Aim of the study: The aim of the study was examining the relationship between study addiction and satisfaction with intimate relationships.
Methods: The total sample comprised 3206 students of polish universities. To replicate the basic effect, the study was conducted on two subsamples. To control the relationship of personality traits and intimate relations Mini-IPIP was used in Sample 1 and Ten Item Personality Inventory in Sample 2. In both samples The Bergen Study Addiction Scale and a one-item measure of satisfaction with intimate relationships were used. All scales showed good validity and reliability in previous studies. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted.
Results: The research showed no relationship between study addiction and satisfaction with intimate relationships. Regression analyses revealed that satisfaction with intimate relationships was related to gender, neuroticism and openness in Sample 1, and gender, age, extraversion, conscientiousness and emotional stability in Sample 2.
Conclusions: In conclusion, students suffering from study addiction are equally satisfied with intimate relationships as nonaddicted students. Study addicts could be more satisfied with their intimate life than their partners and family. These results suggest also that more developmental, longitudinal approach to the study of quality of intimate life in study and work addicts is required. Addiction is progressive in nature and in many cases it takes time to observe its unequivocal negative effects. Further studies on the structure and function of social support in study addiction are necessary.