Malik, A., Nanda, A. P., & Kumra, R. (2020). Children in the digital world: exploring the role of
parental–child attachment features in excessive online gaming. Young consumers.
Abstract:
Purpose
The marketing of immersive and competitive online gaming products has proliferated in recent
times. Consumption has also shown a substantial increase, especially among children. Such elevated
levels of gaming have adversely affected children’s overall well-being. This paper aims to examine
the role of parental attachment variables in enhancing children’s self-control behavior in
counteracting the adverse effects of excessive gaming. The role of gender in excessive gaming is also
studied.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual framework is tested that examines the direct relationship of features of parental
attachment with excessive online gaming behavior and an indirect effect through the mediation of a
child’s self-control construct using structural equation modeling.
Findings
The findings indicate that parental attachment through self-control can play a significant role in
limiting excessive gaming behavior among vulnerable young gamers. Excessive gaming behavior was
more pronounced for boys than girls. Alienation explained excessive gaming behavior among girls,
while communication was significant for boys, but in a reversed direction.
Research limitations/implications
All possible antecedent variables from the literature, like parental rearing style, that may further
contribute to developing a comprehensive theoretical framework could not be studied.
Practical implications
The study suggests that the priming of children achieved through parental attachment relationships
may help prevent excessive gaming behavior among vulnerable young gamers.
Originality/value
This study addresses the gap in the understanding of parental attachment features related to
excessive gaming among different genders. It also establishes the role of the intervening mechanism
of a child’s self-control in regulating behavior in relation to excessive gaming in the Indian context.
Link to Article: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/YC-01-2020-
1090/full/html
