THE IMPACT OF VIDEO GAMING ADDICTION AND PARENTAL AVAILABILITY ON AGGRESSION IN ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between video gaming addiction, parental availability, and aggression among adolescents, with a focus on the mediating role of parental availability. Employing a correlational research design, the study utilised survey methods and purposive sampling to recruit a sample of 200 adolescents in 9th and 10th grades from government schools. Data were collected using the  Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents to measure gaming addiction, the Family Time and  Routine Index to assess parental availability, and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire to measure aggression. Hypotheses were tested using SPSS version 24. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviations, frequencies, percentages, and Cronbach alpha coefficient), Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and mediation analysis via PROCESS macro model 4. Findings indicated a significant positive correlation between gaming addiction and aggression. Moreover, gaming addiction significantly predicted increased aggression levels. Conversely, parental availability, as measured by the family time and routine index, was found to have a significant negative impact on aggression. Mediation analysis  further revealed that parental availability partially mediates the relationship between gaming addiction and aggression, highlighting its critical role in buffering the negative outcomes associated with excessive gaming. These results underscore the importance of parental involvement in mitigating the adverse behavioural effects of gaming addiction among adolescents.