Attention Problems and Academic Achievement in Different Age Groups: The Role of Game Addiction

Abstract

Attention problems negatively impact academic achievement in students. Although previous studies have investigated the underlying mechanism of this association, the potential mediating role of game addiction has been understudied, particularly among different age stages. This study examined the mediating effect of game addiction on this relationship among secondary school (n=554, Mage=14.34), high school (n=450, Mage=15.6), and college students (n=572, Mage=19.13). Participants completed questionnaires assessing attention problems, game addiction, and academic achievement. Results showed that game addiction mediated the association between attention problems and academic achievement in secondary school students, but not high school students. College students exhibited an indirect effect of attention problems on academic achievement through game addiction. The study emphasizes the importance of limiting gaming behavior to improve academic performance and mitigate the negative effects of attention problems.