Abstract:

The aim of this research is to examine the relationships between digital game addiction tendency and problematic behaviors in preschool children. The relational screening model was used in this study. The sample of the research consists of 351 preschool children (167 girls and 184 boys) aged 4-6 and their parents in five kindergartens in Aydın province. The research data was collected in the 2022-2023 academic year using the Digital Game Addiction Tendency Scale, Preschool and Kindergarten Behaviour Scales-Problem Behavior Scale Section, and Personal Information Form. Frequency, percentage, arithmetic mean, Pearson product-moment correlation, and simple linear regression analysis were used in the analysis of the data. According to the results of Pearson product-moment correlation analysis, it was determined that there were positive significant relationships between digital game addiction tendency and problem behaviors and its sub-dimensions including externalizing behavior problems, internalizing behavior problems, antisocial behavior problems, and egocentric behavior problems in preschool children. The results of simple linear regression analysis showed that digital game addiction tendency in preschool children generally predicted problematic behaviors, externalizing behavior problems, internalizing behavior problems, antisocial behavior problems, and self-centered behavior problems at a positive and significant level. Research findings showed that as digital game addiction tendencies increase in preschool children, problematic behaviors, externalizing, internalizing, antisocial, and self-centered behavior problems increase. Within the framework of the research findings, the importance of parental guidance on the content of digital games and the duration of playing games was emphasized in the prevention of problematic behaviors in the preschool period.

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