Parent-children relationship and internet addiction of adolescents: The mediating role of self-concept

Abstract

The present study aimed to explore the association between parent-children relationship and internet addiction with the mediating effect of self-concept among Chinese adolescents. The Chinese Parent-Children Relationship Diagnostic Test, the Chinese revised edition of Tennessee Self-concept Scale, and the Chinese Internet Addiction Scale were administered to 300 junior and high school students aged 13–18 years (in grades 7–12). Results indicated that parent-children relationship was positively related to self-concept and was negatively related to internet addiction, while self-concept was negatively related to internet addiction among adolescents. Moreover, the association between parent-children relationship and internet addiction was partially mediated by self-concept. Findings of the present study suggested that parent-children relationship exerted not only direct effect but also indirect effect on internet addiction through self-concept. Limitations of the study are considered and implications of the findings for reducing adolescents’ internet addiction are discussed.