Factors Affecting Problematic Internet Use: Rejectful Parental Attitudes During Childhood

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Internet Addiction Research

Background:

• Limited research exists on the impact of childhood parental rejection and emotional deprivation on adult problematic internet use.
• Understanding these precursors is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between perceived parental rejectful attitudes in childhood, emotional deprivation, and problematic internet use (PIU) in adults.
• To explore the mediating role of emotional deprivation and the moderating effects of sociodemographic and social skill factors on PIU.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative study employing convenience sampling with 341 adult participants (aged 18+).
• Data collected via personal information form, perceived parental attitudes scale, Young Internet addiction test (short form), and Young schema scale (short form-3).

Main Results:

• A significant positive correlation was found between perceived rejectful parental attitudes, emotional deprivation, and PIU.
• Parental rejection directly influenced PIU, with emotional deprivation partially mediating this effect.
• Sociodemographic variables and social skills demonstrated a preventive effect on emotional deprivation and PIU.

Conclusions:

• Childhood experiences of parental rejection and emotional deprivation are significant risk factors for adult problematic internet use.
• Interventions should consider addressing these early life experiences and enhancing social skills and support systems.