The effect of mothers' pathological internet use and psychopathology on children's pathological internet use

Objective: This study aimed to examine the mediating role of psychological symptoms of mothers in the relationship between pathological internet use (PIU) of mothers of preschool children and PIU of their children. Method: 283 mothers residing in Istanbul and having children aged 4-5 years participated in the research. Within the scope of the research, mothers' pathological internet use was evaluated with the Young Internet Addiction Scale, mothers' symptom levels were evaluated with the Symptom Screening Test, and children's pathological internet use level was evaluated with the Family-Child Internet Addiction Scale. Results: When the time the child spends on technological devices is controlled, there is a significant relationship between mothers' pathological internet use and their children's pathological internet use. Mothers' symptoms including obsessive-compulsive (b=.14, 95% CI [.01,.29], p<.001), interpersonal sensitivity (b=.12, 95% CI [.01,.26], p<.01) and paranoid thoughts (b=.13, 95% CI [.02,.26], p<.001) have a partial mediating role. Discussion: Mothers' pathological internet use level and psychopathological symptoms have an effect on children's pathological internet use level. It is thought that pathological internet usage behaviors of mothers can be a role model for children and various psychological symptoms of mothers can strengthen this situation. As part of future studies, it is recommended to plan studies that include fathers or evaluate internet usage in detail.