Parent-Child Relationship and Gadget Addiction: The Role of Loneliness

Abstract

Gadget addiction refers to the excessive dependence on electronic devices, leading to significant disruptions in daily life and functioning. One of the major contributing factors to gadget addiction is the quality of the parent-child relationship, which, when poor, may lead to increased feelings of loneliness. This study aims to analyze the role of loneliness as a mediating factor in the relationship between parent-child relationships and gadget addiction. A quantitative study design was employed, utilizing three validated psychological scales: SAS-SV, PCRS, and UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3. The study sampled 188 junior high school students through purposive sampling. Data analysis using Hayes' mediation model revealed that loneliness partially mediates the effect of parent-child relationships on gadget addiction. These findings highlight the importance of fostering strong parent-child bonds to mitigate the risks of gadget addiction among adolescents.