The role of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in the relationship between digital parenting attitudes and internet gaming disorder symptoms

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between digital parenting attitudes and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) symptoms among children and adolescents, and to investigate whether Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)–related symptoms play a moderating role in this relationship. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 193 children and adolescents aged 10–17 years and their parents. Digital parenting attitudes were assessed using the Digital Parenting Attitude Scale, ADHD-related symptoms were measured with the Conners Parent Rating Scale–Revised Short Form, and IGD symptoms were evaluated using the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale–Short Form. Group comparisons were performed using independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA. Results: Male children differed significantly from female children in cognitive problems/inattention (p=0.002), hyperactivity symptoms (p<0.001), ADHD index scores (p=0.027), and IGD severity (p=0.001). Frequency of technology use was significantly associated with cognitive problems/inattention (p=0.048) and IGD severity (p<0.001). IGD symptoms were positively correlated with oppositional behavior (r=0.28, p<0.05), cognitive problems/inattention (r=0.42, p<0.001), hyperactivity symptoms (r=0.33, p<0.001), and ADHD index scores (r=0.49, p<0.001). Digital parenting attitudes were not significantly associated with IGD severity. Moderation analyses showed that ADHD symptoms (B=3.3, p<0.001) and hyperactivity symptoms (B=3.6, p<0.001) were significantly associated with IGD severity, whereas the interaction terms were not statistically significant (p=0.300; p=0.568). Conclusion: The findings suggest that ADHD-related symptoms were more closely associated with IGD severity than digital parenting attitudes in this sample. Preventive and intervention strategies should prioritize the identification and management of ADHD-related vulnerabilities within a broader family context rather than focusing solely on digital parenting practices.