Mediation Effects of Self regulation and Hopelessness between Self efficacy and Internet game addiction in Middle School Students

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted in order to examine the multiple mediated effects of self-regulation and hopelessness between self efficacy and internet game addiction in middle school students. Methods: The participants were 458 middle school students in G City, South Korea. Multiple mediation was analyzed using Indirect SPSS macro and the bootstrapping method. Results: Significant negative correlations were observed for internet game addiction, self-efficacy, and self-regulation. Self-efficacy and self-regulation were positively correlated. Self-efficacy showed a direct effect on Internet game addiction. The results of the indirect effects of all mediators showed the mediated effect of self-regulation (estimated effect=-.11, 95% CI[-.20, -.03]) and hopelessness(estimated effect=-.06, 95% CI[-.12, -.01]). Conclusion: Based on these study results, we suggest that self-efficacy should be examined to prevent development of Internet game addiction in middle school students. It is necessary to provide Internet game addiction preventive programs focusing on changing the self-regulation and relieving the feelings of hopelessness.