Using the Internet to Cope With Emotional Problems

The Role of Preference of Online Communication in Adolescents Across 18 Countries

Bibliographic Data

ID21392012
AuthorsAnke Görzig (0000-0002-7623-0836, School of Human Sciences and Institute for Lifecourse Development University of Greenwich, Old Royal Naval College London UK), Gorzig Anke, Marie Jaron Bedrosova (0000-0002-0293-3520, Interdisciplinary Research Team on Internet and Society, Faculty of Social Studies Masaryk University Brno The Czech Republic), Jaroň Bedrošová Marie, Raffaella Margherita Milani (0000-0003-1683-2410, Department of Psychology and Human Development, School of Childhood and Social Care University of East London London UK), Milani Raffaella M
Year2026
Publication date2026-05-12
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueScandinavian Journal of Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0036-5564 • E-ISSN: 1467-9450
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/sjop.70103
OpenAlexW7160932553
LanguageEN
References cited89

For adolescents with emotional problems, internet use can provide coping strategies. These can be maladaptive (e.g., excessive use) or adaptive (e.g., engaging in social online activities). However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying both positive and negative outcomes. This study investigates whether a preference of online communication mediates associations between emotional problems and online coping strategies. Survey data from 14,550 adolescents (ages 11–16, 51% female) across 18 European countries were analyzed using mediation models. Emotional problems were associated with both maladaptive and adaptive strategies, and these effects were partially mediated by preference of online communication. The findings provide further empirical support for the model of compensatory internet use among vulnerable populations and demonstrate that similar mechanisms may underlie seemingly divergent outcomes. Implications include digital mental health interventions tailored to vulnerable youth and guidance for schools, families, and online platform providers to foster adaptive internet use whilst mitigating the risks of excessive or maladaptive use

Coping (psychology) · Emotional support · Maladaptive coping · Mediation · Mental health · Preference · Psychological intervention · The Internet · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Impact of Technology on Adolescents

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Open DOIOpen Access