Abstract
Over the last decade, internet gaming has been a fast-growing recreational activity. Gamers risk their leisure activity becoming an addiction. In the present study, we aimed to measure the prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in an adult population of video game players and to investigate the association between demographic variables, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) traits, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) severity, and IGD in adults. Through an online survey, we recruited 4260 individuals aged between 18 and 55 years old, who were members of online communities of video gamers. We collected demographic data and administered three questionnaires: the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGD9-SF), the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). Of the overall sample, 29.67% scored above the cut-off of 21 points for the IGD9-SF. Multiple linear regression models showed that daily spare time, autistic traits, and ADHD symptoms were positively associated with the severity of IGD in adults, after controlling for demographic variables. Future studies are required in order to explore factors linked to IGD in adults.
Highlights
Over the last decade, internet gaming has been a fast-growing recreational activity among adolescents and young adults
We aimed to measure if any sociodemographic variables, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) traits, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) traits were associated with Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in adults
This study investigated the association between age, gender, relationship status, daily spare time, Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) total score, ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) total score, and IGD in a population of adult video gamers
Summary
Internet gaming has been a fast-growing recreational activity among adolescents and young adults. The easy, and often free, access to playable content and the ability to become fully immersed in the game have led to an emergent health issue related to excessive online gaming [1]. Previous studies have shown the negative consequences of excessive online gaming in various areas of psychological functioning, potentially resulting in addictive behaviors [2]. In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) described the phenomenon of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) [4] as a new condition that requires further study. IGD is characterized by “persistent and recurrent” engagement with video games and a pattern of impaired control over gaming, often causing distress in essential life areas [4].
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