A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Establishing Academic Burnout’s Relationship with Problematic Internet Use and Specific Health-Risk Behaviours : A Cross-sectional Study of Finnish Higher Education Students




AuthorsMännikkö, Niko; Palomäki, Jussi; Parikka, Suvi; Määttänen, Ilmari; Castrén, Sari

PublisherSpringer

Publication year2024

Journal: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

Journal name in sourceInternational Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

Journal acronymInt J Ment Health Addiction

eISSN1557-1882

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-024-01290-4

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Partially Open Access publication channel

Web address https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11469-024-01290-4

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/387584928

Self-archived copy's licenceCC BY

Self-archived copy's versionPublisher`s PDF


Abstract
Problematic Internet use is recognised as an emerging public health issue, particularly among young adults. Yet, there is scarce information on problematic Internet use as a predictor for academic burnout. This study aimed to identify academic burnout’s association with both problematic Internet use and specific health-risk behaviour among higher education students. We analysed the population-based cross-sectional survey data (with post-stratification weighting) of Finnish higher education students. Data was collected in 2021 (n = 6258; age 18–34). Regression analyses were used to investigate academic burnout’s relationship with problematic Internet use and health-risk behaviours. The results revealed that female gender, learning difficulties, the use snus (the Swedish-type of moist snuff), problematic Internet use, online shopping, and perceived loneliness were significantly and positively associated with academic burnout. In addition, a higher number of study credits earned, self-perceived good health, and a satisfactory financial level were significantly and inversely associated with academic burnout. The findings suggest that screening students for problematic behaviour and offering support for those in need are likely to be effective at increasing academic well-being among higher education students. © The Author(s) 2024.

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