Parenting styles and freshman’s internet gaming disorder: a moderated chain mediation model involving presence of meaning in life and self-control

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the impact of parental rearing styles on internet gaming disorder among college students, with a particular focus on the mediating roles of presence of meaning in life and self-control through the mediating pathway as well as the moderating effect of gender. Methods: 4.1, bootstrapping with 5,000 resamples to test for mediation and moderated mediation effects. Results: Negative parenting styles, such as rejection and over protection, were positively associated with internet gaming disorder, both directly and indirectly through the chain mediation of presence of meaning in life and self-control. In contrast, positive parenting style such as emotional warmth did not directly predict internet gaming disorder but exerted a fully indirect effect via the same chain pathway. Indeed, gender moderated the relationship between presence of meaning in life and self-control, with females showing stronger mediation effects. Under positive parenting style, females exhibited greater protective effects against internet gaming disorder; under negative parenting styles, they were more vulnerable to internet gaming disorder though the chained mediation effects. Conclusion: Interventions should highlight the importance of improving positive parenting styles and reducing negative ones. Efforts should focus on cultivating the presence of meaning in life and strengthening self-control. Particular attention should be given to females raised under negative parenting styles, with early identification of their risk for Internet gaming disorder and the provision of timely psychological support. These strategies are essential for effectively addressing Internet gaming disorder among college students.