Characteristics of Ambivalence of Self-image in Patients with Internet Gaming Disorder

Abstract

Objective ： This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of ambivalence of self-image and its relationship with other characteristics in patients with an internet gaming disorder (IGD). Methods ： The level of ambivalence of actual and ideal self-image was evaluated numerically in 20 patients diagnosed with IGD as well as 22 normal controls. The ambivalence scores of the two groups were compared, and their correlations with psychometric scales were counted in each group. Results ： Patients with IGD showed a significantly higher level in ambivalence of ideal self-image than did the controls, but not in their ambivalence of actual self-image. Both the actual and ideal ambivalence scores in the IGD group did not have a significant correlation with each other or other scales. In the control group, however, there were significant correlations of the actual ambivalence score and the ideal ambivalence score with the scales representing the level of self-esteem, self-concept clarity, impulsivity, basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, relatedness), and of the ideal ambivalence score with the scales representing the level of impulsivity, situational motivation (amotivation, external regulation) and basic psychological needs (competence). Conclusion : This study suggested that patients with IGD might feel more intense ambivalence of ideal self-image and patients with IGD independently possess ambivalence of self-image.