The Relationship between Digital Game Addiction and Being Neglected by Parents in Adolescence

Objective: Digital game addiction is defined as an impulse control disorder involving characteristics such as “feelings of restlessness and/or irritability when unable to play”, “isolation from others in order to spend more time gaming”, and “the inability to control the time spent on game-playing”. It is thought that the children who are neglected by their parents may experience feelings of loneliness, isolation and depression, may lean on to digital games as a means of socialization and coping with feelings of loneliness. Within this concept, in this study, it is aimed to examine the relationship between digital game addiction and being neglected by parents in adolescence. Method: The study was consisted of 303 adolescents, attending to two separate secondary schools in the city center of Antalya, Turkey in 2018-2019 spring semester and their 303 parents. As the data gathering instruments, a Socio-Demographic Information Form and Digital Game Addiction Scale were administered to adolescents. To the parents, Socio-Demographic Information Form and Multidimensional Neglectful Behavior Scale-Parents Form were administered. Results and Conclusion: As a result it was found that adolescents’ level of digital game addiction increase as their parents’ level of neglectful behaviors increase. The results were discussed in terms of the relevant literature and suggestions were made in regards with the subject.