Parent–Child Relationship, Psychological Distress, and Internet Gaming Disorder among Adults: The Mediating Role of Emotional Neglect

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) among adults has raised significant concerns regarding its psychological and developmental antecedents. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between parent–child relationship, psychological distress, and Internet Gaming Disorder, with a particular focus on the mediating role of emotional neglect. Drawing upon Attachment Theory and the cognitive behavioral model of behavioral addiction, this study proposes that early relational experiences with caregivers significantly influence emotional well-being and maladaptive coping behaviors in adulthood. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design will be employed, with a sample of 250 adults aged 18–35 years who engage in online gaming. Data will be collected using standardized instruments, including the Parent–Adult Child Relationship Questionnaire (PACQ), Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Internet Gaming Disorder Scale–Short Form (IGDS9-SF), and the Emotional Neglect subscale of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Statistical analyses include descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, regression analysis, and mediation analysis. Furthermore, emotional neglect is expected to mediate the relationship between parent–child relationship and both psychological distress and IGD. The findings of this study have important implications for clinical interventions, family-based therapies, and mental health prevention strategies.