Abstract
BackgroundEscapism-based motivation (EBM) is considered as one of the diagnostic criteria for internet gaming disorder (IGD). However, how EBM affects the high risk of IGD (HIGD) population remains unclear.MethodsAn initial number of 789 college students participated in the general, internet gaming behavior, and motivation surveys. After multiple evaluations, 57 individuals were identified as HIGD (25 with EBM, H-EBM; 32 with non-EBM, H-nEBM). In addition, 51 no-gaming individuals were included as the control group (CONTR). The cohorts completed the psychological assessments and eye-tracking tests, and analyses of group differences, correlations, and influencing factors of the indicators were performed.ResultsThe Barratt impulsiveness score of H-nEBM and H-EBM was significantly higher than that of CONTR (MD = 3.605, P = 0.017; MD = 3.744, P = 0.022). In addition, emotional intelligence self-emotion management ability was significantly lower in the H-EBM than in CONTR (MD = –2.038, P = 0.004). Correct rates and reaction times in the anti-saccade task differed significantly between the three groups (F = 3.525, P = 0.033; F = 4.459, P = 0.014). However, no differences were found in the comparison of the digital span test (DST), trail making test (TMT), animal verbal fluency test, Stroop test, and mental rotation test results. The anti-saccade test indicators were positively correlated with the DST results but negatively correlated with the Stroop test results (P < 0.05). Correct rates in the mental rotation test were negatively correlated with the TMT results but positively correlated with the DST results (P < 0.05). The participants with high Stroop test scores and no lover experience and who were raised by their grandparents were likely to develop EBM to engage in high risk of internet gaming disorder (P < 0.05).ConclusionEBM has a significantly negative effect on impulsivity, self-emotion management ability, and response inhibition in the HIGD participants.
Highlights
The number of internet gamers worldwide is estimated at one billion, with the farthest internet gaming reach observed in the population of China, South Korea, and Japan
Emotional intelligence self-emotion management ability was significantly lower in the H-Escapism-based motivation (EBM) than in control group (CONTR) (MD = –2.038, P = 0.004)
No differences were found in the comparison of the digital span test (DST), trail making test (TMT), animal verbal fluency test, Stroop test, and mental rotation test results
Summary
The number of internet gamers worldwide is estimated at one billion, with the farthest internet gaming reach observed in the population of China, South Korea, and Japan. Internet gaming audiences are projected to surpass 1.3 billion by 2025 [1]. Internet gaming emerged as a popular but controversial online activity for individuals, from minors and seniors, owing to its potential effects on psychological health and wellbeing [2]. Gamers can create representative characters or avatars in games to face situations they are unable to deal with in real life and further escape from their unsatisfactory lives, such as excessive pressure at school or work, strained interpersonal relationships, and so on [4]. Whether internet games are beneficial to individual development is a controversial topic. Researchers believe that internet games can improve players’ spatial capabilities and responsiveness and reduce stress [5]. Escapism-based motivation (EBM) is considered as one of the diagnostic criteria for internet gaming disorder (IGD). How EBM affects the high risk of IGD (HIGD) population remains unclear
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