The Effect of Mindfulness on Internet Addiction in Nursing Students

Abstract

Background: Unconscious internet use among students contributes to increased risk of internet addiction. Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of mindfulness on internet addiction in nursing students. Method: The study is descriptive, cross-sectional, and exploratory in nature. The sample consisted of 845 nursing students. Data were collected between February and April 2024. The Personal Information Form, Young Internet Addiction Scale, and Mindfulness Scale were used to collect research data. Independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance were used to compare independent groups. Pearson correlation coefficient and simple linear regression analysis were applied to examine the relationships between variables. Descriptive statistics such as arithmetic mean and percentagefrequency distribution were used. Results: The mean total scores of students on the Internet addiction scale (X̄ = 46.23, SS = 14.37) and the mean scores on the conscious awareness scale (X̄ = 53.37, SS = 16.27) were moderate. The Pearson correlation analysis conducted between the Young Internet Addiction Scale and the Mindfulness Scale revealed a low, negative, and statistically significant relationship (r = -0.20, p 05). When the predictive level of mindful awareness on internet addiction was analysed, it was determined to be a significant predictive variable (β = -0.209, t = -6.19, p 001). Although the explanatory level of the model is low, it is significant (R² = .04). Conclusion: It has been determined that as students’ levels of conscious awareness increase, their levels of internet addiction decrease. Workshops and awareness training modules can be developed to prevent students’ internet addiction. It is recommended that student communities and social activities that can increase face-to-face interactions among students be increased. © 2026, Dokuz Eylul University. All rights reserved.