Perceived parental phubbing and Internet gaming disorder symptoms among adolescents: the mediating roles of fear of missing out and self-control

Objective To examine the association between perceived parental phubbing and Internet gaming disorder symptoms among adolescents, as well as the mediating roles of fear of missing out and self-control in this association. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted among 5,476 adolescents using the Perceived Parental Phubbing Scale, the Fear of Missing Out Scale, the Self-Control Scale, and the Internet Gaming Disorder Symptoms Scale. Results Perceived parental phubbing was significantly and positively correlated with adolescents’ Internet gaming disorder symptoms. The mediating effect of fear of missing out between perceived parental phubbing and Internet gaming disorder symptoms was significant, and the mediating effect of self-control between perceived parental phubbing and Internet gaming disorder symptoms was also significant. The serial mediation pathway of perceived parental phubbing → fear of missing out → self-control → Internet gaming disorder symptoms was significant, although the effect size was relatively small. Conclusion Adolescents’ Internet gaming disorder symptoms are closely associated with their perceived parental phubbing, fear of missing out, and level of self-control. In the digital-intelligence era, prevention of adolescent Internet gaming disorder symptoms may begin with improving the family digital-interaction environment, alleviating fear of missing out, and cultivating self-control.