Basic psychological need frustration and the risk of problematic internet use: the mediating role of hedonistic and compensatory outcome expectancies

Introduction:
Basic psychological needs theory states that the frustration of the three fundamental psychological needs, which are autonomy, relatedness and competence, leads to a sense of malaise and may disturb performance and development. These states require the reduction of unpleasant tension and deficit compensation. The use of various internet applications may fulfil these functions, especially if individuals expect hedonistic and compensatory outcomes. Using the internet for these purposes creates the risk of problematic engagement with addiction-like symptoms. The study aimed to explore the relationship between the frustration of basic psychological needs and the risk of Problematic Internet Use (PIU). The outcome expectancies of internet use were included as mediators of this relationship.

Material and methods:
The study involved 724 participants (59% were females). The Scale of Satisfaction and Frustration of Basic Psychological Needs, the Internet Use Test, and The Questionnaire on the Outcome Expectancies of Internet Use were used. Correlation analysis, multiple regression and path analysis were carried out.

Results:
Compensatory and hedonistic expectancies were positively associated with PIU. Needs frustration was associated with PIU, both directly and indirectly through outcome expectancies.

Discussion:
The results highlight the significance of the frustration of fundamental psychological needs, especially competence need frustration and the risk of PIU with a mediating role for internet use outcome expectancies.

Conclusions:
Basic psychological needs frustration is a significant predictor of PIU risk. The role of internet use outcome expectancies is crucial in explaining this relationship. Further research should take types of internet activity, especially ones that fulfil hedonistic and compensatory expectancies into consideration.