Harsh parenting and adolescent internet addiction: a longitudinal moderated mediation model

The present study examined the longitudinal relationship between harsh parenting and adolescent internet addiction, as well as the mediating role of depression and the moderating role of gratitude in the above association. A total of 506 adolescents (241 females, Mage = 12.92 years, SD = 0.62) participated in two waves of data collection in early 2022 and mid- 2023, respectively. Harsh parenting, adolescents’ internet addiction, depression, and gratitude were assessed through adolescent self-reports. Results indicated that after controlling for T1 (Time 1) gender, age, subjective socioeconomic status, and internet addiction, T1 depression mediated the positive relationship between T1 harsh parenting and T2 (Time 2) internet addiction. Further, T1 gratitude moderated the association between T1 depression and T2 internet addiction, with higher levels of gratitude strengthening this positive relationship. These findings contribute novel insights into the roles of harsh parenting, depression, and gratitude in adolescent internet addiction and provide deeper guidance for targeted interventions.