Perceived parenting styles and adolescents' problematic internet use: Examining the parent–child same-sex matching effect

Objective

This study examined how perceived parenting styles (i.e., rejection, emotional warmth) are linked to adolescents' problematic internet use (PIU) through emotion regulation strategies (i.e., expressive suppression, cognitive reappraisal). The same-sex matching effect (i.e., matching between parents and adolescents of the same sex) was explored.

Background

PIU is a significant public health concern for adolescents. Although the theoretical connection between family factors and PIU is recognized, the specific associations of negative and positive parenting styles of both fathers and mothers with PIU in adolescent boys and girls remain unclear.

Method

A national sample of 2,690 Chinese adolescents (47.5% male; mean age = 13.75 years, SD = 2.72) from 37 primary and high schools participated, completing self-report measures.

Results

Expressive suppression mediated only the relation between maternal rejection and PIU, whereas cognitive reappraisal mediated the relations between both maternal and paternal emotional warmth and PIU. A same-sex matching effect was observed between fathers and sons.

Conclusion

Both perceived paternal and maternal parenting styles are associated with adolescents' PIU through emotion regulation strategies.

Implications

Both mothers and fathers are advised to minimize rejection while simultaneously improving emotional warmth. The unique influence of fathers on their sons' PIU requires further exploration. Clinicians are encouraged to prioritize interventions that enhance cognitive reappraisal and reduce expressive suppression when working with adolescents experiencing PIU.