[Relationships between family interactions and pathological internet use in adolescents: an review].

OBJECTIVE

The internet is used intensely by German adolescents for various activities both in school as well as during leisure time. Pathological internet use is currently on the increase in many industrial nations (especially in Asia, North America, and Europe). According to recent epidemiological studies, pathological internet use occurs more frequently in youths than in adults. Several studies have investigated the interdependence of family structures or interactions and pathological adolescent internet use. This article provides an overview of the available research results.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature search in the bibliographic databases PubMed, PsycINFO, and Psyndex.

RESULTS

We identified 15 studies (published in English or German) examining exclusively minor-aged participants. A good family functioning as well as a good communication between parents and adolescents, a positive parent-child relationship, and supportive parental monitoring proved to help prevent pathological adolescent internet use.

CONCLUSIONS

The described familial predictors have been replicated in some studies. Implications for future research on this subject are discussed.