The Mediating Role of Self-Differentiation in the Relationship Between Basic Psychological Needs and Online Gaming Addiction in High School Students

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of self-differentiation in the relationship between basic psychological needs and online gaming addiction among high school students. Methodology: The research method was cross-sectional and correlational. The statistical population of this study included all high school students in Tehran during the 2022-2023 academic year, from which 400 students (200 girls and 200 boys) were selected using the Cochran formula through multistage cluster sampling. The instruments used in this study included the Online Gaming Addiction Scale (Wang & Chang, 2002), the Basic Psychological Needs Scale (La Guardia et al., 2000), and the Self-Differentiation Scale (Skowron & Friedlander, 1998). For data analysis, SPSS-V23 and Lisrel-V8.7 software were utilized. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the research hypotheses. Findings: The results indicated that basic psychological needs and self-differentiation had a direct effect on online gaming addiction. Additionally, basic psychological needs had an indirect effect on online gaming addiction. The modified structural model of the research also showed a good fit with the data (RMSEA= 0.055, GFI= 0.88). Conclusion: The results represent a significant step toward understanding the factors influencing online gaming addiction in students.