Parent Related Factors in Internet Game Addiction among Elementary School Students

Kim, Ki Sook; Kim, Kyunghee

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the parent related factors that influence internet game addiction among elementary school students. METHOD: Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires and descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, correlation and stepwise multiple regression were used to analyze the data. Data survey was conducted with 739 conveniently selected students who were in grades 4, 5, and 6 of elementary schools in Seoul or Gyung-gi province.
RESULTS
The addiction groups were classified as general user group (84.3%), potential risk group (10.0%) and high risk group (5.7%). There were significant internet game addiction differences by gender, grade, expense of internet cafe, religion, school record, place where child played, economic status, and duration and frequency of game play. The addiction was negatively correlated to parents' attachment, supervision, attitude to child nurturing, and expectations regarding school study. The most significant variables were both parents' attitude to child nurturing, and mother's supervision. These three variables explained 20.7% of internet game addiction in elementary school students.
CONCLUSION
The study findings identified significant factors affecting internet game addiction in elementary school students. These findings are expected to make a contribution to the creation of ideal interventions at school, home, and counselling centers to prevent internet game addiction.