Digital play addiction tendency and aggression in early childhood: a
path modeling
Abstract
The study aims to examine the relationship between digital play
addiction tendency and four different dimensions of aggression:physical
aggression and relational aggression toward others,self-directed
aggression and aggression against objects.The research was conducted to
understand the effects of digital games on children’s behavior at a time
when children are increasingly exposed to digital games.The purpose of
this study is to investigate the relationship between early childhood
aggression in children and the tendency for addiction to digital
gaming.Quantitative research methodologies such as surveys and
relational designs were preferred for the study.744 children between the
ages of 4-6 constituted the participants of the study.Through parent
assessments,information about children’s aggressive tendencies and
addiction to digital gaming was gathered.To analyze the data the model
was created with PLS path modeling.Then, convergent and discriminant
validity was tested to evaluate the measurement model.Finally, the
structural model was evaluated by using bootstrapping analysis.In
conclusion, this study examined the relationship between the tendency
for digital play addiction and aggression in early childhood and found a
positive relationship between these factors.These findings may help us
understand the potential effects of children’s digital game use and
addiction on their social behavior and provide important clues for
promoting healthier digital media use.