The influence of maternal and paternal phubbing on adolescents’ problematic gaming: A two-wave mediation model

Cross-sectional studies from Eastern Asia have indicated a positive association between parental phubbing (snubbing via smartphones) and adolescent problematic gaming (PG). Longitudinal research is needed to evaluate the specific impact of maternal and paternal phubbing on adolescent PG in Europe. This study used a two-wave longitudinal design (with a six-month time interval) to test a theoretical model in which maternal and paternal phubbing at Wave 1 (W1) predicted adolescent PG at Wave 2 (W2), with maternal and paternal indifference (W2) as mediators. Gender differences in the hypothesized associations were also explored. Data were collected in Italy via online surveys, and the sample comprised 557 adolescent gamers (Mage = 15.62 ± 1.54; 69% males). The mediation model was tested using path analysis, and multi-group comparisons were performed. The results showed that parental phubbing (W1) increased parental indifference (W2) in both mothers and fathers. Maternal phubbing (W1) indirectly predicted adolescent PG (W2) via increased maternal indifference (W2) in both males and females, whereas paternal phubbing (W1) directly and indirectly predicted adolescent PG (W2) via paternal indifference (W2) only in females. Parents and adolescents should be aware of the potentially detrimental effects associated with the dysfunctional use of digital technology.