Evaluation of Game Addiction, Social Media Addiction and Loneliness Levels in Adolescents with School Attendance Problems

Abstract

Objectives: School attendance problem (SAP) is a serious issue, and its coexistence with psychiatric disorders is common. Several studies have evaluated the relationship between SAP and alcohol and substance addiction. Although there are many studies on SAP, studies examining the relationship between SAP and game and social media addiction are limited. Method: Thirty-one adolescents with SAP between the ages of 12-19 and 33 age and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Psychopathology was evaluated with a diagnostic interview according to DSM 5. Internet Gaming Disorder Scale–Short Form (IGDS9-SF), Social Media Disorder Scale and UCLA Loneliness Scale were given to both of the groups. Results: The most common disorders in the study group are attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional disorder and behavioral disorder. In the study group, the UCLA Loneliness Scale and IGDS9-SF scores were also significantly higher than those in the controls. Conclusion: Game addiction and loneliness problems should also be examined in the evaluation of children and adolescents with school attendance problems. Key Words: School Attendance Problem, School Refusal, Game Addiction, Social Media Addiction, Loneliness