Modeling the relationship between feelings of loneliness and addiction to online games in adolescents: The mediating role of emotion regulation strategies
Subject Areas : PsychologyMaedeh Jafari Dehnayebi 1 , Javad Eynypour 2 , Sara Najafi 3
1 -
2 - Associate Professor of Educational Psychology, Amin Police University, Tehran, Iran.
3 - M.Sc. Candidate in Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Qom Branch, Qom, Iran.
Keywords: loneliness, online gaming addiction, emotion regulation strategies, adolescents,
Abstract :
Aim and Background:This study examined the relationship between loneliness and online gaming addiction among adolescents, focusing on the mediating role of emotion regulation strategies. Excessive online gaming, while offering entertainment and social interaction, can negatively affect adolescents’ psychological well-being and functioning. Loneliness is a key psychological factor associated with problematic gaming, as adolescents may use online games to compensate for unmet social and emotional needs. Emotion regulation strategies influence how adolescents cope with negative emotions, potentially increasing vulnerability to addictive behaviors.
Methods:Using a descriptive–correlational design, 300 high school students aged 15–18 in Qom were selected through convenience sampling. Participants completed the Loneliness Scale, Online Gaming Addiction Questionnaire, and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was conducted using SmartPLS.
Findings:Loneliness significantly and positively predicted online gaming addiction. Maladaptive emotion regulation strategies were associated with higher loneliness. While the direct effect of emotion regulation on gaming addiction was weak, its indirect effect through loneliness was significant, confirming the mediating role of loneliness.
Conclusions:Loneliness and emotion regulation play crucial roles in adolescents’ online gaming addiction. Enhancing adaptive emotion regulation skills and strengthening social support may reduce loneliness and help prevent excessive gaming. Future studies should employ longitudinal designs and examine intervention-based approaches.
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