Introduction
In recent years, online gaming has emerged as a popular leisure activity among adolescents worldwide. In China, this trend is particularly pronounced, with a significant proportion of adolescents engaging in online games. This has sparked interest among researchers and educators who are keen to understand the factors influencing adolescents' choices between online gaming and academic pursuits.
Theoretical Framework: Theory of Planned Behavior
The study "What Influences Chinese Adolescents’ Choice Intention between Playing Online Games and Learning?" applies the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to explore this issue. TPB suggests that behavior is guided by intentions, which are influenced by attitudes, perceived behavioral control (PBC), and subjective norms. In this study, subjective norms are further dissected into peer support and parental monitoring.
Key Findings
The research reveals that both attitude and PBC significantly impact adolescents' intentions to choose between gaming and studying. Adolescents with positive attitudes towards gaming and a high sense of control over their gaming behavior are more likely to choose gaming over academic tasks.
Interestingly, the study manipulates subjective norms by creating scenarios that reflect peer support and parental monitoring. It finds that peer support increases the likelihood of choosing gaming, while parental monitoring decreases it. This highlights the contrasting influences of peers and parents on adolescents' decision-making processes.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners working with adolescents, these findings offer valuable insights. By understanding the factors that influence adolescents' gaming choices, educators and parents can better guide them towards balanced behaviors. Encouraging positive attitudes towards learning and enhancing adolescents' perceived control over their academic tasks can help mitigate excessive gaming.
Moreover, the study suggests that practitioners should consider the dual influences of peer support and parental monitoring. Creating environments where positive peer influences are encouraged, while also maintaining supportive parental involvement, can help adolescents make healthier choices.
Encouraging Further Research
This study opens up several avenues for further research. Investigating how cultural contexts influence these dynamics could provide deeper insights. Additionally, exploring specific academic scenarios and their impact on gaming choices could refine our understanding of adolescents' decision-making processes.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: What Influences Chinese Adolescents’ Choice Intention between Playing Online Games and Learning? Application of Theory of Planned Behavior with Subjective Norm Manipulated as Peer Support and Parental Monitoring.
