The Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2: Validation and test of the model to Facebook use

•We tested psychometric properties of Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2.•We replicated the cognitive-behavioral model of PIU in Facebook in adolescence.•Scale presents good internal consistency, adequate fit, good convergent validity.•Deficient self-regulation on facebook predicts negative outcomes.

The main goals of the present study were to test the psychometric properties of a Portuguese version of the GPIUS2 (Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2, Caplan, 2010), and to test whether the cognitive-behavioral model proposed by Caplan (2010) replicated in the context of Facebook use. We used a sample of 761 Portuguese adolescents (53.7% boys, 46.3% girls, mean age = 15.8). Our results showed that the data presented an adequate fit to the original model using confirmatory factor analysis. The scale presented also good internal consistency and adequate construct validity. The cognitive-behavioral model was also applicable to the Facebook context, presenting good fit. Consistently with previous findings we found that preference for online social interaction and the use of Facebook to mood regulation purposes, predicted positively and significantly the deficient self-regulation in Facebook use, which in turn was a significant predictor of the negative outcomes associated with this use.