In 2013, Internet gaming disorder (IGD) was incorporated in the DSM-5. In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the inclusion of the new diagnosis “Gaming disorder” in the ICD-11. Both IGD and Gaming disorder refer to a problematic use of video games. Yet, IGD has thus far only been assessed by self-ratings, while external ratings have not been available. We adapted a frequently used screening tool for IGD (Internet Gaming Disorder Scale, IGDS) to a parental rating (Parental version of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale, PIGDS) and evaluated its psychometric properties. Data were collected in 1,970 face-to-face interviews (with 985 parents and 985 related adolescents) using a standardized questionnaire measuring adolescent IGD by self- and parental ratings and frequency of gaming, psychopathological burden, hyperactivity/inattention, family functioning, and school performance. Furthermore, we determined the accordance of adolescent and parental ratings for IGD. We conducted a confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analyses, and have determined reliability and concordance. We observed a one-dimensional factor structure of the PIGDS and its internal consistency was 0.86. We found very first indications of criterion validity for the PIGDS. The correlation between IGDS and PIGDS was 0.78 and we observed kappa coefficients between both ratings of 0.62 and 0.61 (based on the most suitable cutoff points for the PIGDS). Both adolescent and parental ratings of IGD were consistently associated with higher psychopathological burden, stronger hyperactivity/inattention, poorer family functioning, and poorer school performance. According to the results, a parental assessment of IGD in adolescence seems to be a promising new approach and it opens a new perspective in the exploration of IGD.

Problematic use of the Internet is becoming increasingly important and especially for adolescents, high prevalence rates are reported in many countries. Despite the growing international research activities and the reported prevalence estimates, comparatively very few studies have focused on spontaneous remission and its possible causes. In a risk population of 272 adolescents, we used standardized diagnostic instruments to investigate which socio-demographic and psychosocial characteristics at baseline (at t1) predicted spontaneous remission of problematic Internet use one year later (at t2). The predictors were determined by bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. In the bivariate regressions, we found male gender, higher self-efficacy (t1), a lower level of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies (t1), lower depression (t1), lower performance and school anxiety (t1), lower social-interaction anxiety (t1), and lower procrastination (t1) to predict spontaneous remission of problematic Internet use at t2. In the multivariable analysis, a lower level of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies (t1) was the sole statistically significant predictor for the remission one year later (t2). For the first time, the high relevance of emotion regulation for spontaneous remission of adolescent problematic Internet use was observed. Based on these findings, emotion regulation could be specifically trained and promoted in future prevention measures.

Adolescents frequently show risky behavior, and these problematic behavior patterns often do not occur in isolation, but together. Problematic alcohol use is widespread among youth, as is problematic use of the Internet and of specific online applications (video games or social media). However, there is still a lack of findings for minors regarding the relations between these behavioral patterns (particularly between problematic alcohol use and problematic gaming or problematic social media use). Standardized instruments were used to survey problematic alcohol use, problematic gaming, problematic social media use, problematic Internet use and mental health among 633 adolescents (mean age: 15.79 years). Bivariate correlation and multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted. The correlation analyses showed statistically significant positive bivariate relationships between all four behavioral patterns each. Antisocial behavior was related to all problematic behavioral patterns. Whereas, emotional distress, self-esteem problems and hyperactivity/inattention were associated with substance-unrelated problematic behavior patterns only. Anger control problems were related to problematic alcohol use and problematic gaming. In adolescence, the findings revealed small effect sizes between substance-related and substance-unrelated problematic behavior patterns, but moderate to large effect sizes within substance-unrelated behavioral patterns. Similarities and differences were found in the relations between the behavioral patterns and mental health.

Problematic gaming (PG) has been included in the DSM-5 and ICD-11. But, it is still controversially discussed, if problematic (online-) gaming is a subtype of problematic Internet use (PIU) or if both behavior patterns should be distinguished. In joint samples, the relationships between PIU and PG and correlates have so far only been investigated in cross-sectional studies. This is the first longitudinal study to determine predictors of PIU, PG, and a combined occurrence of PIU and PG (PIU + PG) together in one sample. Overall, 985 family dyads (one parent and her/his child) were interviewed twice (at t1 and t2, with one year in between) with a standardized questionnaire regarding PIU, PG and psychosocial aspects. Predictors for adolescent PIU, PG, and PIU + PG were determined with a multinomial logistic regression analysis. The following were our findings: (a) PIU (t2) was predicted by stronger emotional distress (t1) and PIU (t1); (b) PG (t2) by male gender, more self-esteem problems (t1), stronger hyperactivity/inattention (t1), and PG (t1); and (c) PIU + PG (t2) by male gender, stronger hyperactivity/inattention (t1), and PG (t1). Partly different patterns of predictors were observed for the development of PIU and PG. The results indicate not only commonalities but also differences in the etiology of these behavior patterns.

Background: Intense or problematic media use behavior of parents could serve as a role model for their children’s media use behavior. So far, knowledge is scarce about increased children’s media use (ICMU) and its association with parental stress (PS) and problematic parental media use (PPMU). Methods: ICMU was examined using a modified set of the DSM-5 criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder. PS was assessed via the widely used Parenting Stress Index, and PPMU was assessed using the Short Compulsive Internet Use Scale. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the links between ICMU, PS, and PPMU. A mediation analysis was performed to examine if PPMU mediated the relationship between PS and ICMU. Results: In sum, 809 parents (M = 36.89 years; SD = 4.87; 81.4% female) of preschool children (average age: 44.75 months, SD = 13.68) participated in the study. ICMU was statistically significantly related to higher age of the parent, greater PPMU, and higher PS. Furthermore, we found that the association between PS and ICMU was partially mediated by PPMU. Conclusions: The results indicate that more pronounced PS and PPMU are associated with ICMU, highlighting the necessity of considering these parental variables when developing early prevention strategies for preschool-age children.

Relatively common behavioral patterns in adolescence are problematic use of video games (PG), social media (PSMU) or alcohol (PAU). According to theoretical models, personality traits are relevant for Internet-related problematic behaviors. In the present study, associations of the Big Five personality domains and their 15 facets with PG, PSMU and PAU were compared for the first time. Therefore, 492 adolescents (mean age: 16.83 years) were examined with the established Big Five Inventory-2 as well as other standardized questionnaires on PG, PSMU and PAU. For statistical evaluation, correlation analyses were used as bivariate procedures and multiple regression analyses as multivariable procedures. At the personality domain level, consistently in bivariate and multivariate analyses, statistically significant associations between higher Negative Emotionality (Neuroticism) and PG, PSMU and PAU as well as between lower Open-Mindedness and PG and PAU were observed. At the level of facets, higher Anxiety (facet of Negative Emotionality) was related to PG and PSMU as well as lower Aesthetic Sensitivity (facet of Open-Mindedness) and lower Productiveness (facet of Conscientiousness) to PG. Considering the overlap of 95% confidence intervals, very comparable patterns of associations between PG, PSMU and PAU and the Big Five and their facets were observed in adolescence (indicating similarities in etiology).