Relationship between parenting style and internet addiction: Interpersonal relationship problem as a mediator and gender as a moderator

Purpose: This study assessed the moderating effect of gender on the indirect effects of positive and negative parenting styles on Internet addiction through interpersonal relationship problem. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of randomly sampled 1194 college students recruited voluntarily from three universities in China was conducted to assess the variables of positive and negative parenting styles, interpersonal relationship problem, and Internet addiction. Results: Positive parenting style, such as emotional warmth, was a protective factor for the development of Internet addiction, whereas negative parenting style, such as rejection and overprotection, was a potential risk factor for Internet addiction. Furthermore, interpersonal relationship problem completely mediated the association between positive parenting style and Internet addiction but partially mediated the relationship between negative parenting style and Internet addiction. Finally, gender moderated the indirect effect of parenting style on Internet addiction through interpersonal relationship problem. Conclusion: The correlation between positive parenting style and interpersonal relationship problem was considerably weaker among females, whereas the association between interpersonal relationship problem and Internet addiction was much stronger among females. For the prevention and intervention of Internet addiction, it is important to increase positive parenting style for males while enhancing interpersonal skills training for females. Further longitudinal studies should discuss the effects of paternal and maternal parenting styles on Internet addiction.