Internet Gaming Disorder and its Relationship with Behavioral Disorders and Parenting Styles in Fifth and Sixth Grade Elementary School Students in Tabriz (2018-2019)

Abstract

Abstract: Background and aim: Internet game disorder as an addictive behavior can lead to a decrease performance in one's social relationships, work and education. On the other hand, parents' relationship with their children has an important role in the development of normal and abnormal personality in children and if they use inappropriate parenting styles in training, it can lead to several negative consequences such as behavioral problems and Internet gaming disorder in children. The aim of the study was to investigate internet games disorder and its relationship between behavioral disorder and parenting styles in grade 5 and 6 elementary school students. Method and Materials:The study was a descriptive correlation study. 657 fifth and sixth grade students in elementary schools in Tabriz during the academic year of 2018/2019 that playing computer games using cluster sampling were selected. The data were completed by the students themselves, their parents and teachers. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage of frequency) and inferential statistics were used to analyze Pearson's correlation coefficient and ANOVA and regression analysis. SPPS 21 software was used for data analysis. Result:The results showed that there is no significant difference between internet game disorder by gender of students although the percentage of internet game disorder in girls (6.5%) is more than boys (5.4%) but behavioral disorder in boys (47%) was more than girls (35%). Also, the mean score of behavioral disorder in boys and girls who use war games is higher than the others. There was a significant positive correlation between behavioral disorder and internet game disorder in girls (P = 0.007). Also, in female students there was a significant relationship between internet game disorder and parenting style (p = 0.001, r = 0.2). Conclusion:The results of the t study can help relevant stakeholders, including educational psychologists, teachers, and parents, to monitor their children more effectively and to intervene appropriately to reduce their levels of Internet game and behavioral disorder.