The effect of cumulative ecological risk on migrant children’s Internet game addiction: a moderated mediation model

Background Internet games are becoming a popular form of entertainment. However, overindulgence in online games may lead to online game addiction, which may have a negative impact on the health of adolescents. As a special group of adolescents, migrant children’s Internet game addiction has also attracted much attention. This study aimed to explore the effects of cumulative ecological risk on migrant children’s Internet game addiction, and to investigate the mediating role of self-educational expectations and the moderating role of gender. Methods A questionnaire survey method was employed in this study. Using convenience sampling, a total of 314 migrant children completed the cumulative ecological risks scale, self-education expectations scale, and Internet game addiction scale. Results The findings showed that cumulative ecological risk had a significant effect on migrant children’s Internet game addiction, and self-education expectations partially mediating the relationship between cumulative ecological risk and Internet game addiction. The latter part of the mediating effect in the pathway “cumulative ecological risk → self-educational expectations → Internet game addiction” is moderated by gender. Specifically, the impact of self-educational expectations on game addiction is stronger for male students compared to female students. Conclusion Comprehensive measures should be taken to address the problem of online game addiction among migrant children, including reducing the ecological risk faced by migrant children, raising self-education expectations and paying attention to gender differences.