An investigation of the relationship between digital game addiction, mindfulness, and family cohesion

Digital game addiction is an escalating public health concern, with literature consistently identifying children and adolescents as the most vulnerable demographics. This research aimed to explore the relationships between digital game addiction, mindfulness, and the sense of family coherence among high school students. The study sample comprised 136 high school students from grades 9-12 attending Pursaklar Anatolian High School. Sample size determination utilized a power analysis (Gpower), ensuring 95% confidence (1-α) and 95% statistical power (1-β). Data collection instruments included the Digital Game Addiction Scale, the Adolescent Mindfulness Form, and the Sense of Family Coherence Scale. All data analyses were conducted using SPSS 22.0. Research findings indicate that male students exhibited higher levels of digital game addiction compared to female students. Furthermore, an increase in digital game playing duration was associated with elevated digital game addiction levels and a corresponding decrease in students' sense of family coherence. Conversely, students' age, grade level, parental education status, monthly income, and the number of siblings did not significantly impact digital game addiction, mindfulness, or family coherence levels. A moderate negative correlation was observed between students' digital game addiction levels and their mindfulness. Similarly, a moderate negative correlation was found between digital game addiction levels and their sense of family coherence. Crucially, both mindfulness levels and the sense of family coherence were significant predictors of digital game addiction levels. In conclusion, digital game addiction is significantly predicted by both mindfulness and the sense of family coherence.