Abstract
This study aimed to examine the relationship of general cognitive function with gaming use, and to identify elements of intelligence predicting increased gaming use. In total, 160 young adults participated in this study. Two clinical groups (n = 97) were defined: excessive gaming users diagnosed with internet gaming disorder (IGD) (n = 64) and the high-risk users (n = 33). The control group (n = 63) was also divided into regular gamers (n = 14) and non-gamers (n = 49). Participants completed the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV and self-reported questionnaires regarding IGD severity and gaming hours. The IGD group had significantly lower Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ), Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), and Processing Speed Index (PSI) scores, compared with regular gamers and non-gamers. The IGD group also exhibited lower Working Memory Index (WMI) scores, compared with non-gamers. The high-risk group demonstrated significantly lower PSI score, compared with non-gamers. Furthermore FSIQ, VCI, WMI, and PSI scores were significant predictors of gaming hours in the IGD group. For the high-risk group, FSIQ, WMI, and VCI scores were negatively associated with gaming hours. Our study demonstrates the need to address the importance of enhancing working memory and verbal ability, thus, preventing the development of gaming addiction among individuals at high-risk gamers.
Highlights
The frequency of internet gaming has increased with the global spread of internet use.In particular, online gaming and related activities have increased during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic [1]
This study aimed to investigate differences in general cognitive functioning according to the severity of gaming use and identify significant factors among intelligence indices that predict the extent of gaming use, with a focus on verbal intelligence and working memory
There were no significant differences in sex and age among groups, the education level was significantly higher in the healthy controls than in the Internet gaming disorder (IGD) group
Summary
The frequency of internet gaming has increased with the global spread of internet use. Online gaming and related activities have increased during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic [1]. It is important to acknowledge that a significant increase in gaming may pose risks for vulnerable individuals. Among several factors related to IGD, cognitive impairment has been associated with behavioral addictions, such as IGD [2]. Previous studies have reported general cognitive deficits represented by impaired intelligence in several addictive disorders [3,4,5]. These findings might be explained by the association between intelligence and difficulties with self-regulation, as reflected in addictive behaviors.
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