Cross-sectional correlates and indirect associations linking parental warmth to scores on a study-specific gaming-related symptom index in senior-high-school and university students

Introduction Game escape motivation has been associated with internet gaming disorder (IGD) in previous research, but its role in family-linked associations remains unclear. Methods In a cross-sectional survey of Chinese senior-high-school students (n = 145) and university students (n = 285), we estimated parallel indirect-association models linking parental warmth to scores on an 11-item study-specific gaming-related symptom index through escape motivation, self-control, and emotional distress. The index was substantially adapted from the Gaming Disorder Scale for Adolescents (GADIS-A) and has not undergone independent validation. Results Emotional distress statistically accounted for part of the association between parental warmth and index scores in both groups, and an indirect association through self-control was detected in the senior-high-school group. Escape motivation showed positive adjusted coefficients, but no indirect association through escape motivation was detected in either group. Discussion These findings concern scores on an unvalidated study-specific measure, not established IGD symptom severity. The cross-sectional design does not establish temporal mechanisms or developmental differences.