Abstract
Present study examined associations between perceived parental and friends’ internet gaming behaviors and adolescent internet gaming disorder (IGD) and the mediating roles of adolescents’ gaming-related cognitions (cognitive preoccupation with internet gaming [CPIG]) and behaviors (IG time) in the associations. A total of 2,413 adolescents were surveyed in Hong Kong from February to December 2021. The proposed mediation model was examined by structural equation modelling (SEM). The SEM model fitted data well and the results showed that perceived father’s and mother’s frequencies of IG were positively associated with adolescent IGD symptoms indirectly through adolescent IG time; perceived friends’ frequency of IG was positively associated with adolescent IGD symptoms directly and indirectly through adolescents’ IG time and CPIG. The findings support the social learning theory of the development of IGD and illuminate the potential pathways. Family and interpersonal therapies that also modify parental and friends’ gaming behaviors may efficiently reduce adolescent IGD.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Data Availability
Data and code are available upon request.
References
Allahverdipour, H., Bazargan, M., Farhadinasab, A., & Moeini, B. (2010). Correlates of video games playing among adolescents in an islamic country. BMC Public Health, 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-10-286
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5®). American Psychiatric Pub.
Bahr, S. J., Hoffmann, J. P., & Yang, X. (2005). Parental and peer influences on the risk of adolescent drug use. The Journal of Primary Prevention, 26(6), 529–551. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-005-0014-8
Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. Prentice-Hall.
Bollen, K. A. (1989). Structural equations with latent variables. Wiley.
Brand, M., Wegmann, E., Stark, R., Muller, A., Wolfling, K., Robbins, T. W., & Potenza, M. N. (2019). The Interaction of person-affect-cognition-execution (I-PACE) model for addictive behaviors: Update, generalization to addictive behaviors beyond internet-use disorders, and specification of the process character of addictive behaviors. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 104, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.06.032
Caplan, S. E. (2010). Theory and measurement of generalized problematic internet use: A two-step approach. Computers in Human Behavior, 26(5), 1089–1097. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2010.03.012
Charlton, J. P., & Danforth, I. D. W. (2004). Differentiating computer-related addictions and high engagement. Human Perspectives in the Internet Society: Culture Psychology and Gender, 4, 59–68. Retrieved from <Go to ISI>://WOS:000226725300007.
Choo, H., Sim, T., Liau, A. K. F., Gentile, D. A., & Khoo, A. (2015). Parental influences on pathological symptoms of video-gaming among children and adolescents: A prospective study. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 24(5), 1429–1441. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-014-9949-9
Chu, K. H., Sidani, J., Matheny, S., Rothenberger, S. D., Miller, E., Valente, T., & Robertson, L. (2021). Implementation of a cluster randomized controlled trial: Identifying student peer leaders to lead E-cigarette interventions. Addictive Behaviors, 114, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106726
Chung, T. W. H., Sum, S. M. Y., & Chan, M. W. L. (2019). Adolescent internet addiction in Hong Kong: Prevalence, psychosocial correlates, and prevention. Journal of Adolescent Health, 64(6s), 34–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.12.016
Collins, W. A. (1997). Relationships and development during adolescence: Interpersonal adaptation to individual change. Personal Relationships, 4(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-6811.1997.tb00126.x
Donati, M. A., Chiesi, F., & Primi, C. (2013). A model to explain at-risk/problem gambling among male and female adolescents: Gender similarities and differences. Journal of Adolescence, 36(1), 129–137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2012.10.001
Farley, J. P., & Kim-Spoon, J. (2014). The development of adolescent self-regulation: Reviewing the role of parent, peer, friend, and romantic relationships. Journal of Adolescence, 37(4), 433–440. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2014.03.009
Gao, Y. X., Wang, J. Y., & Dong, G. H. (2022). The prevalence and possible risk factors of internet gaming disorder among adolescents and young adults: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 154, 35–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.06.049
Gonzalez-Bueso, V., Santamaria, J. J., Fernandez, D., Merino, L., Montero, E., Jimenez-Murcia, S., & Ribas, J. (2018). Internet gaming disorder in adolescents: Personality, psychopathology and evaluation of a psychological intervention combined with parent psychoeducation. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00787
Gunuc, S. (2017). Peer influence in internet and digital game addicted adolescents: Is internet / digital game addiction contagious? International Journal of High Risk Behaviors and Addiction, 6(2), e33681. https://doi.org/10.5812/ijhrba.33681
Harakeh, Z., & de Boer, A. (2019). The effect of active and passive peer encouragement on adolescent risk-taking. Journal of Adolescence, 71, 10–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2018.12.004
Hong Kong Education Bureau (2021). Secondary Student Enrolment Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.edb.gov.hk/tc/about-edb/publications-stat/figures/index_1.html. Accessed 22 Apr 2023.
Hu, L. T., & Bentler, P. M. (1999). Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling-a Multidisciplinary Journal, 6(1), 1–55. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705519909540118
Jeong, E. J., & Kim, D. H. (2011). Social activities, self-efficacy, game attitudes, and game addiction. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 14(4), 213–221. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2009.0289
Jeong, E. J., Ferguson, C. J., & Lee, S. J. (2019). Pathological gaming in Young Adolescents: A longitudinal study focused on academic stress and self-control in South Korea. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 48(12), 2333–2342. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-019-01065-4
Jeong, H., Yim, H. W., Lee, S. Y., Lee, H. K., Potenza, M. N., & Lee, H. (2021). Factors associated with severity, incidence or persistence of internet gaming disorder in children and adolescents: A 2-year longitudinal study. Addiction, 116(7), 1828–1838. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.15366
Kandel, D. B., & Andrews, K. (1987). Processes of adolescent socialization by parents and peers. The International Journal of the Addictions, 22(4), 319–342. https://doi.org/10.3109/10826088709027433
Kenny, D. (2021). Effect size of the indirect effect and the computation of power. Retrieved from http://davidakenny.net/cm/mediate.htm. Accessed 6 Dec 2023.
Keum, C., & Kim, D. (2022). The effect of internet game behavior monitoring on college students: Focusing on visual feedback. Current Psychology, 41(6), 3339–3348. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-02961-y
King, D. L., & Delfabbro, P. H. (2014). The cognitive psychology of internet gaming disorder. Clinical Psychology Review, 34(4), 298–308. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2014.03.006
King, D. L., & Delfabbro, P. H. (2016). The cognitive psychopathology of internet gaming disorder in adolescence. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 44(8), 1635–1645. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-016-0135-y
Kline, R. B. (2004). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling (2nd ed.). Guildford.
Lee, S. Y., Lee, H. K., Jeong, H., Yim, H. W., Bhang, S. Y., Jo, S. J., & Kweon, Y. S. (2017). The hierarchical implications of internet gaming disorder criteria: Which indicate more severe Pathology? Psychiatry Investigation, 14(3), 249–259. https://doi.org/10.4306/pi.2017.14.3.249
Li, T. M. H., & Leung, C. S. Y. (2020). Exploring student mental health and intention to use online counseling in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 74(10), 564–565. https://doi.org/10.1111/pcn.13117
Li, W., Garland, E. L., & Howard, M. O. (2018). Therapeutic mechanisms of mindfulness-oriented recovery enhancement for internet gaming disorder: Reducing craving and addictive behavior by targeting cognitive processes. Journal of Addictive Diseases, 37(1–2), 5–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/10550887.2018.1442617
Lin, C. H., Lin, S. L., & Wu, C. P. (2009). The Effects of parental monitoring and leisure boredom on adolescents’ internet addiction. Adolescence, 44(176), 993–1004. Retrieved from <Go to ISI>://WOS:000273955200017.
Lindenberg, K., Kindt, S., & Szasz-Janocha, C. (2022). Effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy-based intervention in preventing gaming disorder and unspecified internet use disorder in adolescents a cluster randomized clinical trial. JAMA Network Open, 5(2), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.48995
Liu, Y. J., Gong, R. J., Yu, Y. L., Xu, C., Yu, X. Y., Chang, R. J., & Cai, Y. (2021). Longitudinal predictors for incidence of internet gaming disorder among adolescents: The roles of time spent on gaming and depressive symptoms. Journal of Adolescence, 92, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2021.06.008
Macur, M., & Pontes, H. M. (2021). Internet gaming disorder in adolescence: Investigating profiles and associated risk factors. BMC Public Health, 21, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11394-4
Magoon, M. E., & Ingersoll, G. M. (2006). Parental modeling, attachment, and supervision as moderators of adolescent gambling. Journal of Gambling Studies, 22(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-005-9000-6
Meque, I., Salom, C., Betts, K. S., & Alati, R. (2019). Predictors of alcohol use disorders among young adults: A systematic review of longitudinal studies. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 54(3), 310–324.
Mylona, I., Deres, E. S., Dere, G. S., Tsinopoulos, I., & Glynatsis, M. (2020). The impact of internet and videogaming addiction on adolescent vision: A review of the literature. Frontiers in Public Health, 8, 63. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00063
Ohayon, M. M., & Roberts, L. (2021). Internet gaming disorder and comorbidities among campus-dwelling U.S. university students. Psychiatry Research, 302, 114043. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114043
Peterka-Bonetta, J., Sindermann, C., Sha, P., Zhou, M., & Montag, C. (2019). The relationship between internet use disorder, depression and burnout among chinese and german college students. Addictive Behaviors, 89, 188–199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.08.011
Pornnoppadol, C., Ratta-apha, W., Chanpen, S., Wattananond, S., Dumrongrungruang, N., Thongchoi, K., & Vasupanrajit, A. (2020). A comparative study of psychosocial interventions for internet gaming disorder among adolescents aged 13–17 years. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 18(4), 932–948. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-018-9995-4
Sakuma, H., Mihara, S., Nakayama, H., Miura, K., Kitayuguchi, T., Maezono, M., & Higuchi, S. (2017). Treatment with the Self-Discovery Camp (SDiC) improves internet gaming disorder. Addictive Behaviors, 64, 357–362. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.06.013
Sanders, T., Parker, P. D., del Pozo-Cruz, B., Noetel, M., & Lonsdale, C. (2019). Type of screen time moderates effects on outcomes in 4013 children: Evidence from the longitudinal study of Australian children. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-019-0881-7
Schneider, L. A., King, D. L., & Delfabbro, P. H. (2017). Family factors in adolescent problematic internet gaming: A systematic review. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 6(3), 321–333. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.6.2017.035
Scholte, R. H. J., Poelen, E. A. P., Willemsen, G., Boomsma, D. I., & Engels, R. C. M. E. (2008). Relative risks of adolescent and young adult alcohol use: The role of drinking fathers, mothers, siblings, and friends. Addictive Behaviors, 33(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2007.04.015
Shelton, R. C., Lee, M., Brotzman, L. E., Crookes, D. M., Jandorf, L., Erwin, D., & Gage-Bouchard, E. A. (2019). Use of social network analysis in the development, dissemination, implementation, and sustainability of health behavior interventions for adults: A systematic review. Social Science & Medicine, 220, 81–101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.10.013
Sigerson, L., Li, A. Y., Cheung, M. W., Luk, J. W., & Cheng, C. (2017). Psychometric properties of the chinese internet gaming disorder scale. Addictive Behaviors, 74, 20–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.05.031
Su, P., Yu, C., Zhang, W., Liu, S., Xu, Y., & Zhen, S. (2018). Predicting Chinese adolescent internet gaming addiction from peer context and normative beliefs about aggression: A 2-Year longitudinal study. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 1143. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01143
Sussman, C. J., Harper, J. M., Stahl, J. L., & Weigle, P. (2018). Internet and video game addictions diagnosis, epidemiology, and neurobiology. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 27(2), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2017.11.015
Törhönen, M., Sjöblom, M., Vahlo, J., & Hamari, J. (2020). View, play and pay? – The relationship between consumption of gaming video content and video game playing and buying. Paper presented at the Proceedings of the 53rd Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, Hawaii
van Rooij, A. J., Kuss, D. J., Griffiths, M. D., Shorter, G. W., Schoenmakers, T. M., & Van de Mheen, D. (2014). The (co-)occurrence of problematic video gaming, substance use, and psychosocial problems in adolescents. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 3(3), 157–165. https://doi.org/10.1556/Jba.3.2014.013
Vitoria, P., Pereira, S. E., Muinos, G., De Vries, H., & Lima, M. L. (2020). Parents modelling, peer influence and peer selection impact on adolescent smoking behavior: A longitudinal study in two age cohorts. Addictive Behaviors, 100, 106131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.106131
Wang, H. Y., & Cheng, C. C. L. (2021). New perspectives on the prevalence and associated factors of gaming disorder in Hong Kong community adults: A generational approach. Computers in Human Behavior, 114, 106574. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2020.106574
Wood, M. D., Read, J. P., Mitchell, R. E., & Brand, N. H. (2004). Do parents still matter? Parent and peer influences on alcohol involvement among recent high school graduates. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 18(1), 19–30. https://doi.org/10.1037/0893-164x.18.1.19
World Health Organization (2022). WHO’s new International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) comes into effect. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news/item/11-02-2022-who-s-new-international-classification-of-diseases-(icd-11)-comes-into-effect. Accessed 02 Dec 2022.
Wu, J. Y., Ko, H. C., Wong, T. Y., Wu, L. A., & Oei, T. P. (2016). Positive outcome expectancy mediates the relationship between peer influence and internet gaming addiction among adolescents in Taiwan. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 19(1), 49–55. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2015.0345
Yang, X., Jiang, X., Mo, P. K., Cai, Y., Ma, L., & Lau, J. T. (2020). Prevalence and interpersonal Correlates of Internet Gaming Disorders among chinese adolescents. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 17(2), 579. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17020579
Yang, X., Jiang, X. W., Wu, A. M. S., Ma, L., Cai, Y., Wong, K. M., & Lau, J. T. F. (2021). Validation of the internet gaming disorder symptoms Checklist based on the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in chinese adolescents. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 54, 26–33. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-021-01213-7
Young, K. (2009). Understanding online gaming addiction and treatment issues for adolescents. American Journal of Family Therapy, 37(5), 355–372. https://doi.org/10.1080/01926180902942191
Yu, Y. L., Yang, X., Wang, S. P., Wang, H. W., Chang, R. J., Tsamlag, L., & Lau, J. T. F. (2020). Serial multiple mediation of the association between internet gaming disorder and suicidal ideation by insomnia and depression in adolescents in Shanghai, China. BMC Psychiatry, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-02870-z
Yu, Y., Mo, P. K., Zhang, J., Li, J., & Lau, J. T. (2021). Impulsivity, Self-control, interpersonal influences, and maladaptive cognitions as factors of internet gaming disorder among adolescents in China: Cross-sectional mediation study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(10), e26810. https://doi.org/10.2196/26810
Yu, Y. Q., Mo, P. K. H., Zhang, J. X., Li, J. B., & Lau, J. T. F. (2022). Maladaptive cognitions, loneliness, and social anxiety as potential moderators of the association between internet gaming time and internet gaming disorder among adolescent internet gamers in China. Addictive Behaviors, 129, 107239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107239
Zheng, Y., He, J. B., Fan, L. Y., & Qiu, Y. T. (2022a). Reduction of symptom after a combined behavioral intervention for reward sensitivity and rash impulsiveness in internet gaming disorder: A comparative study. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 153, 159–166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.06.056
Zheng, Y., He, J. B., Nie, Y. F., Fan, L. Y., & Zhang, J. T. (2022b). Influence of abstinence on automatic detection bias to gaming cues in individuals with internet gaming disorder: Evidence from visual mismatch negativity. Psychophysiology, 59(3), e13973. 10.1111/psyp.13973.
Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Hawes, T., Scott, R. A., Campbell, T., & Webb, H. J. (2023). Adolescents’ online appearance preoccupation: A 5-year longitudinal study of the influence of peers, parents, beliefs, and disordered eating. Computers in Human Behavior, 140, 107569. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2022.107569
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank Prof. Huei-Chen Ko, Prof. Joseph Tak Fai Lau, Prof. Winnie Wing Sze Mak, and Prof. Phoenix Kit Han Mo for their advice for the project, and all the participants who dedicated their time to completing the survey.
Funding
This study was funded by the Health and Medical Research Fund [#16171001] and General Research Fund [#14607319] and [#14609820]. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Contributions
Xin Wang: Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Writing - Original Draft. Qian Li: Writing - Original Draft, Visualization. Samuel Yeung-shan Wong: Writing - Review & Editing Funding acquisition. Xue Yang: Conceptualization, Writing - Original Draft, Writing - Review & Editing, Funding acquisition.
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
The authors have no competing interests to declare that are relevant to the content of this article.
Ethics Approval
All procedures followed involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the responsible committee on human experimentation (the Survey and Behavioral Ethics Committee, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Reference No. SBRE-18-429)) and with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2000.
Informed Consent
Informed Consent was obtained from all patients for being included in the study.
Conflict of Interest
Author XW, Author QL, Author SW and Author XY declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Additional information
Publisher’s Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Rights and permissions
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
About this article
Cite this article
Wang, X., Li, Q., Wong, S.Ys. et al. Whether and How Parental and Friends’ Internet Gaming Behaviors May Affect Adolescent Internet Gaming Disorder Symptoms: the Cognitive and Behavioral Mechanisms. Int J Ment Health Addiction (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-023-01091-1
Accepted:
Published:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-023-01091-1