Abstract
This study presents a model of harsh parenting that has an indirect and direct effect on problematic Internet use (PIU) through the mediating process of basic need satisfaction and self-concept clarity. A sample of 490 Chinese middle-school adolescents completed anonymous questionnaires regarding harsh parenting, PIU, basic need satisfaction, and self-concept clarity during class sessions. After controlling the sex, grade, and history of Internet use, harsh parenting was positively related to PIU. Moreover, basic need satisfaction and self-concept clarity mediated the association between harsh parenting and PIU among adolescents. These findings indicate that basic need satisfaction and self-concept clarity are protective factors in reducing the negative effect of harsh parenting on PIU. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
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