Internet gaming addiction among children and adolescents with non-suicidal self-Injury: A network perspective

Abstract

BackgroundInternet gaming addiction is a growing global concern and mental health burden. Currently, no study has examined Internet gaming addiction among individuals with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). This study aims to examine the epidemiology, correlates, and network structure of Internet gaming addiction among children and adolescents with NSSI in China. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted in Guangdong Mental Health Center, China, from Dec 2019 to Dec 2021. The 13-item Chinese Internet gaming addiction scale, SAS, SDS, and UCLA loneliness scale were adopted to evaluate patient's internet gaming addiction, anxiety, depression and loneliness. Univariate analyses, multivariate logistic regression, and network analysis were conducted. ResultsA total of 110 children and adolescents with NSSI behaviors participated in the study, and 45 (40.9%) of them reported Internet gaming addiction. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that male participants (OR = 6.047, P = 0.001) and those living on campus (OR = 2.677, P = 0.039) were more likely to suffer from Internet gaming addiction. Network analysis revealed that item1 (‘Always thinking about online games when not playing’), item6 (‘Clearly aware of the dangers of online games but fail to stop’), and item3 (‘Moody / anxious / agitated / angry while not playing’) were core symptoms for the identification of Internet gaming addiction, while item9 (‘loss of interest’), and item13 (‘deceiving’) were the least influential symptoms in the network. ConclusionsInternet gaming addiction was prevalent among children and adolescents with NSSI. ‘Preoccupation’, ‘Unsuccessful attempts to control playing’, and ‘Withdrawal’ were of key importance for identifying Internet gaming addiction. Ongoing clinical care and targeted interventions to address these symptoms (e.g., strengthening self-control) may be important for reducing the risk of Internet gaming addiction in children and adolescents with NSSI.