PSYCHOSOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF CYBERCHONDIA IN ADULTS

Abstract

Background: Cyberchondria, defined as excessive and anxiety-provoking online health information seeking, is a growing concern among young adults. With widespread internet access, understanding its demographic and psychosocial determinants is essential.

Objectives: The present study aimed (a) to examine the prevalence of cyberchondria among young adults, (b) to explore its association with psychosocial factors such as gender, age, and education, and (c) to identify the most prevalent subscales of cyberchondria, including excessiveness, distress, reassurance, and compulsion.

Method: A cross-sectional design was employed with young adult participants (N = 300). Cyberchondria was assessed using a standardized self-report measure, and demographic data were collected.

Results: Findings indicated a moderate prevalence of cyberchondria among young adults. However, demographic variables (gender, age, education, family system, income, relationship status, and residential area) were not significant predictors of cyberchondria. Education showed a small but non-significant positive trend, while individuals with physical health conditions reported slightly higher tendencies toward cyberchondria. Subscale analysis revealed that excessiveness and reassurance were the most prominent features, highlighting patterns of repeated online searching and reliance on reassurance.

Conclusion: The results suggest that cyberchondria is not strongly determined by demographic factors but may be more closely linked to psychological vulnerabilities such as anxiety and health-related cognitive patterns. These findings underscore the need for interventions targeting maladaptive information-seeking behaviors rather than demographic subgroups.