Abstract
BackgroundProblematic Internet gaming is an increasingly recognized global mental health problem. This multicultural cross-sectional study examined the association between Internet gaming disorder (IGD) symptoms and anxiety and depressive symptoms and substance use within a sample of young Internet users. In total, 3529 college/university students (1260 (35.7%) males; mean age 21 ± 3 years) were surveyed online. We assessed online gaming patterns using the Internet Gaming Disorder Self-report for College/University Students (ICMH-IGD), symptoms of depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and symptoms of anxiety using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale-7.ResultsIGD symptoms were associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and substance use, independent of time spent online, psychiatric diagnosis, culture, or sociodemographic characteristics. For males, more significant IGD symptoms were associated with more extended Internet browsing per day time and higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms, while for females, with more extended Internet browsing per day time, marihuana use, and higher levels of depressive symptoms.ConclusionsOur study found that more overt symptoms of IGD were associated with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms and substance use. Still, these associations differed among males and females, suggesting that gender differences should be considered when planning specific treatments.
Highlights
Problematic Internet gaming is an increasingly recognized global mental health problem
In this international, multicultural sample of young adults, we found that anxiety and depressive symptoms and substance use were associated with Internet gaming disorder (IGD) symptoms independently of Internet use time, presence of psychiatric diagnosis, culture, or sociodemographic characteristics
We showed a differential pattern of associations of IGD symptomatology with anxiety and depressive symptoms and substance use in males and females
Summary
Problematic Internet gaming is an increasingly recognized global mental health problem. IGD is mainly defined as a condition characterized by an increased priority given to gaming, which takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities, and results in impaired control and continuation of/ or increase in gaming despite its negative consequences [6] These core features of IGD resemble those observed in other behavioral addictions, such as substance-related disorders [7, 8]. Studies aiming at the identification of factors affecting the problematic online gaming in young adults are needed to promote better recognition of individuals at risk for IGD [12, 16, 17] and, as a consequence, faster interventions [18] and better management of symptoms related to IGD, especially facing possible mental health disturbances due to COVID-19 pandemic [19]
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