Date of Conferral

9-24-2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Susana Verdinelli

Abstract

Excessive video game use among youth has been linked to communication problems within families and disrupted family dynamics, notably reducing time spent with family members and reinforcing withdrawal from family activities and other recreational pursuits. While quantitative research has addressed the connection between children’s excessive video gaming and its negative impact on family dynamics, a deeper understanding of parents' perceptions remained needed. This study aimed to explore how parents described family dynamics when their children engaged in excessive gaming, using attachment theory as the theoretical framework. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 12 parents, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the interviews. The results provided insights into parents’ perspectives on the role of excessive video gaming in shaping family dynamics. Parents identified several themes related to family, social, and school disruptions caused by gaming. To manage excessive gaming, parents employed strategies such as setting time limits during the school year and requiring children to complete chores or homework before playing, while ensuring consistent enforcement of these rules through mutual support in both single and co-parenting households. The findings of this study have the potential to promote positive social change by helping mental health professionals better support families dealing with children’s problematic video gaming.

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