Relation between internet gaming addiction and comorbid psychiatric disorders and emotion avoidance among adolescents: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

IntroductionInternet Gaming Disorder has been a controversial subject. Even though internet addiction has been studied among adolescents, there is a lack of evidence regarding Internet Gaming Disorder. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence rate of Internet Gaming Disorder and the relationship between Internet Gaming Disorder, comorbid psychiatric disorders, and emotion avoidance among adolescents. MethodsFour hundred seven adolescents aged 11 to 18 years old were recruited. Participants were divided into two groups based on the internet gaming addiction scale–Adolescents with IGA (N = 40) and adolescents without IGA (N = 367). All participants were evaluated for demographic data, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), socioeconomic scale, and the Emotional Avoidance Strategy Inventory for Adolescents (EASI-A). ResultsThe adolescent with IGA had a higher mean of the number of hours and devices using Internet gaming apps than an adolescent without IGA. Regarding SDQ, adolescents with IGA had a significantly higher mean value for all subscales of SDQ except the prosocial scale and all subscales of EASI-A compared with adolescents without IGA. ConclusionsAdolescents with IGA had more hours and devices using Internet gaming apps; more comorbid psychiatric disorders and problems in emotional expression inform of using avoidance techniques than adolescents without IGA.