The interplay between adolescents' Internet addiction and family-related factors: three common patterns. Issue 1 (31st December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aziz, Maryam; Erbad, Aiman; Brahim Belhaouari, Samir; Abdelmoneium, Azza O.; Al-Harahsheh, Sanaa; Bagdady, Ahmed; Ali, Raian
• Is Part Of: International journal of adolescence and youth. Volume 27:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 418
• Page End: 431
• Publication Date: 2022-12-31
• Subjects: Parenting style -- Internet addiction -- excessive Internet use -- parent-adolescent relationship -- digital parenting; Adolescence -- Periodicals; Youth -- Periodicals; Adolescent psychology -- Periodicals; 305.235
• DOI: 10.1080/02673843.2022.2115307
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0267-3843

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to identify typical interactions between adolescents' Internet addiction and family environment factors. 165 parents were surveyed about family environment and problematic Internet use for themselves and their adolescents. Three distinct clusters were identified. Cluster 1 (assertive interaction) involved non-addicted authoritative parents with adolescents at risk of addiction. These parents had occasional arguments with their adolescents. Cluster 2 (aggressive interaction) included at-risk authoritarian parents with Internet addicted adolescents. These parents often had arguments with their adolescents. Cluster 3 (lenient interaction) comprised non-addicted permissive parents with highly addicted adolescents. These parents constantly argue with their adolescents. As we have not identified a cluster where adolescents' addiction was below minimal risk, we advocate the need to train parents along with adolescents on healthy technology use. The clusters identified can be used by professionals as a basis to produce diverse interventions that fit each of the identified family types.