Association between parental marital conflict and Internet addiction: A moderated mediation analysis (2018)

J Affect Disord. 2018 Nov;240:27-32. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.07.005.

Gao T1, Meng X2, Qin Z3, Zhang H4, Gao J5, Kong Y6, Hu Y7, Mei S8.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The effect of parental marital conflict on Internet addiction has been well-established; however, little is known regarding the underlying mechanism of this effect. The aim of this study was to explore the mediating effect of depression and anxiety, as well as the role of peer attachment as a moderator in this relation between parental marital conflict and Internet addiction.

METHODS:

The moderated mediation analysis was tested using data from a cross-sectional sample of 2259 high school students who completed questionnaires regarding marital conflict, depression, anxiety, peer attachment and Internet addiction.

RESULTS:

The results indicated that the effect of parental marital conflict on Internet addiction was mediated by depression and anxiety. In addition, peer attachment moderated the association between parental marital conflict and depression/anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study helps to elucidate the mechanism underlying the association between parental marital conflict and Internet addiction.

KEYWORDS: Anxiety; Depression; Internet addiction; Moderated mediation analysis; Parental marital conflict; Peer attachment

PMID: 30048833

DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.07.005