Problematic gaming in adolescents: Identifying parent and family factors relevant for treatment

It is of clinical relevance to identify possible parental and family factors linked to adolescent problematic gaming (APG). This thesis contains two parts. In the first part I undertook two systematic literature reviews in an effort to identify these factors. In the second part I undertook a randomised controlled trail (RCT) to test the effectiveness of family therapy in treating APG. Results of part 1: parental strategies directly addressing screen use - also called parental mediation techniques - seem to be less effective than general parenting approaches fostering warm and close relationships between the adolescent and the parents. Results of part 2: the family therapy approaches tested within this RCT both had a positive impact on Internet gaming disorder symptoms and overall well-being; the evidence-based approach (multidimensional family therapy) outperforming the family therapy approach as practiced locally. Targeting parental and family factors are a promising therapeutic avenue to treating APG