Internet gaming disorder’s correspondence with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and game/in-game purchases among university students

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between internet game addiction, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and the online gaming characteristics of 290 university students in 11 faculties. The students completed questionnaires on their socio-demographic characteristics, personal habits like smoking, drinking, and game/in-game purchasing attitudes. They completed the Computer Gaming Addiction Scale (CGAS) and Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale (ASRS). The data indicated that 9.3% of the study sample was addicted to gaming. The students who played action/adventure, shooter, and strategy games had higher CGAS scores, and those who played action games had higher ASRS total scores (p < 0.05). The CGAS scores of students and the amount of money they spent on game purchases and in-game purchases were positively correlated. The logistic regression analysis showed that male gender and computer game addiction scores were determinants for game purchases. However, the factors determining in-game purchases were male gender, CGAS score, and probable ADHD hyperactivity impulsivity dominant type. Young adults with hyperactivity and impulsivity predominant ADHD may be prone to excessive in-game purchases.