Associations Between Problematic Internet Use and Externalizing Problem Behaviors Among Chinese Rural Adolescent

This study aims to provide a new perspective on the relationship between problematic Internet use and externalizing problem behaviors among adolescents. Some studies have focused on the relationship between problematic Internet use and externalizing problem behaviors. However, research on the underlying mechanism is still insufficient. Additionally, peer relationship, mental health and parental knowledge has been ignored as a crucial factor. Altogether, 7101 Chinese rural adolescents aged 13-19 years completed an anonymous self-report questionnaire. The results show that: (1) problematic Internet use has a negative effect against the development of externalizing problem behaviors; (2) peer relationship and mental health both have a mediating role in the relationship between problematic Internet use and externalizing problem behaviors; (3) problematic Internet use can indirectly affect externalizing problem behaviors through the chain mediation of peer relationship and mental health; (4) parental knowledge has the potential to moderate the indirect impact by diminishing the association between problematic Internet use and externalizing problem behaviors; and (5) the impact of problematic Internet use on externalizing problem behaviors has significant gender differences. The negative impact was greater on boys than on girls. In relation to these findings, this study has discussed the possible reasons and made some practical suggestions to improve Internet use among rural adolescents.