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The Association Between Interparental Conflict and Problematic Internet Use: A Three-Level Meta-Analysis.
Ziyue Wang1, Qi Zhang2, Guangming Ran1,3
1Department of Psychology, School of Education, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China.
Journal of Adolescence
|December 30, 2025
Summary
Interparental conflict is a significant risk factor for problematic internet use. This issue disproportionately affects adolescent males, with the relationship strengthening in recent years.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Digital Media Studies
Background:
- Problematic internet use (PIU) is a growing global public health concern.
- Existing research shows a link between interparental conflict and PIU, but findings vary.
- A comprehensive analysis is needed to understand this relationship and its moderators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a three-level meta-analysis on the association between interparental conflict and PIU.
- To identify and examine potential moderating factors influencing this relationship.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across seven databases following PRISMA guidelines.
- 33 studies, encompassing 34,875 participants and 281 effect sizes, were included.
- Three-level meta-analysis was employed to synthesize the data.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation (r=0.239) was found between interparental conflict and PIU.
- Gender moderated the relationship, with males exhibiting higher PIU in response to conflict.
- Age was also a moderator, with adolescents showing a stronger association than adults.
- Publication year significantly moderated the relationship, indicating a strengthening trend over time.
Conclusions:
- Interparental conflict is a significant risk factor for problematic internet use.
- Adolescent males are particularly vulnerable to developing PIU due to interparental conflict.
- The observed relationship between interparental conflict and PIU has intensified in recent years.
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